Mobilcom returns its UMTS operating license

FRANKFURT (AFP) Dec 23, 2003
The German operator Mobilcom AG said Tuesday it had decided to return licenses for operating a UMTS mobile telephone network it bought for 8.2 billion euros (10.1 billion dollars) in August 2000 to the country's Regulatory Agency for Telecommunications and Post.

Mobilcom said the move would leave it free UMTS services as a service provider.

"This would not have been possible had the company insisted on keeping its own license, as licensees may not be service providers at the same time," it said.

UMTS, universal mobile telecommunications system -- also known as third generation -- is designed to provide e-mail, high-speed Internet access and live sound and image broadcasts to compatible handsets.

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