TMN is preparing the commercial launch of the third generation and a half for the beginning of April. The tests on network infrastructures and terminal devices of the new HSPDA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology are now in the final stage. The main feature of the HSPDA technology is a broader band assuring, during a first phase, 1,8Mbps per second, that is, up to four times quicker than the 3rd generation (UMTS), a speed that will quickly increase to 3,6Mbps.
As of April this evolution will allow TMN clients, users of portable PC’s, to access Internet in total mobility with download rates nearer to those of fixed broadband.
TMN 3,5G coverage will be progressively installed throughout the national territory. During the initial phase it will be available in Lisbon and in Madeira, it will then pass on to Oporto. Coverage in Braga, Viana do castelo, Vila Real, Bragança and Ponta Delgada, amongst others is foreseen until the end of the second quarter.
TMN will render available, in the launch of this technology, the Option Globe Totter HSPDA board which can be purchased for Euro 199.90 (VAT included), through a link to the TMN network for twelve months. The service will have a monthly cost of Euro 39,90, including 1GB/month of traffic. These conditions are part of a launch campaign until the end of June 2006.
Note that TMN inaugurated the first digital network in the country (GSM) in October 1992 and in November 2000 the first GPRS mobile phone was launched and in April 2004 the first UMTS mobile. The operator was responsible for the first video-call made by Portuguese clients.