Telenor Xpress 1 - 2001

The Nordic Connection

In January Telenor Global Services (TGS) responded to increasing competition in the broadband market with the launch of its Nordic broadband flagship, Telenor Nordic Ring. By using existing infrastructure, TGS can offer broadband capacity to its customers at competitive rates.

The demand for broadband services in the Nordic countries is on the rise. Thanks to its new network, Telenor is ready to take full advantage. Telenor Nordic Ring offers international telecom operators increased broadband capacity between Oslo, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen while in turn allowing these cities to avail themselves of Telenor's international broadband network. The latest generation of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology forms the backbone of the new service.

Utilising cables
By using existing broadband cables in Norway and signing agreements with the Swedish State Railways to use available broadband capacity in fibre optic cables along Swedish rail lines, Telenor has implemented the new service with a minimum of investment. "Profit margins are narrowing in this market. By minimising the need for new investments, we can offer broadband capacity to our customers at competitive rates", says Ola Korsmo, Director of International Networks at TGS.

Wholesale
TGS is a wholesaler in this market, selling broadband capacity to service providers who then add value before reselling it to end-users. "The advantage of being a wholesaler is that many different independent suppliers require broadband capacity. UMTS, interactive TV and video on the Internet all require TGS' services", explains Korsmo. TGS has also established links to major cities such as Amsterdam, London and New York, allowing Nordic Ring users ready access to capacity in other parts of the world.