Release of 21.01.2020
Press Conference with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (center), Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck (left) and Elisabeth Köstinger (right), A1 Telekom Austria Group CEO Thomas Arnoldner (far left) and A1 CEO Marcus Grausam (far right)
© A1 Telekom Austria Group
- The A1 5Giganetwork: The best combination of the largest fiber network and the fastest 5G technology starts on January 25, 2020
- 350 5G locations go into operation throughout Austria on day one
- A1 annually invests around EUR 450 million in the expansion of Austria's digital infrastructure
- 5G is a key technology for the digitalization of rural areas and Austria as a business location
With approx. 54,000 km in length, A1 offers the largest fiber network in Austria. At the frequency auction 2019, A1 acquired the best 5G frequency equipment by purchasing the 3.5 GHz frequency. With this unique combination of both technologies, A1 is now starting the 5Giganetwork.
As of January 25, 2020, 350 5G locations in 129 municipalities throughout Austria will be put into operation, making A1 by far the largest 5G network in Austria. Sales of the new devices and tariffs will start on January 27, 2020. A1 invests around 450 million euros in Austria's digital infrastructure every year.
At a press conference in Vienna yesterday, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said: "Our goal is to make Austria one of the leading digital nations in Europe. This requires nationwide broadband coverage across Austria. We want rural areas in particular to benefit from this development”.
A1 Telekom Austria Group CEO Thomas Arnoldner: "5G is the basis of Austria's future digitalization and will open up unimagined opportunities for new services and applications. As A1, we were able to ensure that we purchased the best frequency equipment at the first 5G auction in 2019. In combination with our fiber network, this now results in the largest 5Giganetwork. We see ourselves as drivers and companions of digitalization, we set the pace and thus support industry, business and private individuals alike".
Federal Minister Elisabeth Köstinger: “High-performance broadband and 5G networks are the freight routes of the 21st century. It is also about equal opportunities between city and country, 5G in particular will contribute a lot to help us bring fast internet to rural areas".
Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck: “Digitalization should serve as an engine for society, business and administration. Good infrastructure provides the basis, applications fill digitalization with life. It is our job to take everyone along - citizens, small and medium-sized companies as well as leading companies and public administration”.
A1 Austria CEO Marcus Grausam: "With our investments in the location and the 5Giganetwork, we are laying the next foundation stone for the digital future of the country. Based on the largest fiber network, we are starting A1´s 5G network with 350 locations all over Austria, and the number will be increasing almost every day. Via 5G, smart technology, innovative products and services with real added value can be developed and thus digital potentials can be successfully turned into business results".
The 5Giganetwork will go into operation in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, on January 25; sales will start all over Austria on January 27. www.a1.net/5Giganetz