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Si.mobil - Vodafone starting with EDGE technology from Siemens

Slovenia is successfully on its way into the third mobile generation: As one of the first network operators in Eastern Europe, Si.mobil - Vodafone is starting its commercial EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) services, hence ringing in a new era in Eastern European mobile radio.

Bojan Dremelj, CEO of Si.mobil said: "Together with Siemens mobile we made a plan how to step from 2G network to 3G network. We are one of the first EDGE adaptors in Europe and prepared for the start into a new mobile generation."

Christoph Caselitz, President of the Networks Division of Siemens mobile commented: "EDGE is an excellent solution for Slovenia on its way into the third mobile generation. We are allowing Si.mobil to offer mobile services at an early stage and create acceptance for further broadband services."

The contract between Siemens mobile and the Slovenian mobile operator Si.mobil - Vodafone for delivery of EDGE technology (base stations, switching technology, hardware and software components) was signed in July 2003. Just six months later the new network is going into operation.

By January 2004, Slovenia's capital Ljubljana and the metropolitan area of Maribor will have access to the new technology. Full commercial operation is scheduled for the end of March 2004.