VIP launches HSPA+ network

VIP Mobile, a Macedonian wireless operator is a part of the Telekom Austria Group, has announced the launch of its 3.5G mobile network, offering subscribers maximum mobile broadband download speeds of up to 21Mbps.

The HSPA+ network is currently available to 90% of the population. Earlier this month VIP had been awarded radio spectrum for GSM-1800 and IMT-2000 (UMTS) services covering the territory of Macedonia. National regulator the Agency for Electronic Communications (AEC) issued VIP with licence authorizations in the 1720MHz-1730MHz (uplink) and 1815MHz-1825MHz (downlink) band, valid for ten years with the option to extend for a further ten. Concurrently, VIP was awarded rights to spectrum in the 880MHz-890MHz and 1710MHz-1720MHz (uplink) and 925MHz-935MHz and 1805MHz-1815MHz (downlink) bands for GSM and UMTS services.