T-Mobile is one of two mobile operators in Slovakia – the other is Orange Slovensko.  Both operators started to offer GSM services in 1997 and both are showing double-digit percentage revenue growth year on year. Subscriber numbers continue to climb and mobile penetration is expected to exceed 80 percent of the country's 5.4 million population in 2006.

Marián Bezák, President, Ericsson Slovakia, says despite the fact the country has just two mobile operators, there is no shortage of competition. "The Slovakian market is small yet dynamic," Bezák says. "Both are global operators and competition on service offerings, quality of network and pricing is tough." 

Indeed, the tenacity of current competition could explain why the Slovakian market has failed to attract more mobile operators, despite numerous attempts. According to Bezák, however, consumers are not suffering as a result. "At present we are not lacking in services if you compare us with other countries," he says.

It should therefore come as no surprise that Slovakian consumers are awaiting the rollout of 3G networks. As Bezák says: "Slovakia is a member of the European society and our operators should be able to offer the same level of services to our inhabitants and visitors that other countries offer."

Both Slovakian mobile operators have obtained 3G licenses and are obliged to begin operations in 2006. In terms of the T-Mobile offering, using Ericsson technology, customers can expect the full range of services based on 3G technology, including video calls and mobile broadband, with the possibility of mobile TV services.

Only time will tell how quickly Slovakian consumers will take up the 3G offerings but a proven enthusiasm for technological innovation exists. Demand for broadband internet, both fixed and mobile, is increasing and Bezák believes modern technology is crucial for the continued development of a knowledge-based society.

The launch of 3G is the next logical step. "I see 3G as an evolution of the existing 2.5G technology," he says. "But 3G is also an important part of the country's development, which will allow people to share more information whenever and wherever they want to."

Cooperation between operator T-Mobile Slovensko and Ericsson began in 1996 when the two companies signed a 2G deal. According to Bezák a decade of  partnership and the recent 3G contract deserves to be recognized. "It confirms our continued cooperation on a local level," he says. "But it is also a sign of Ericsson's continued relationship with T-Mobile on a global level."