Telenor Norway to let the people decide who shall have 4G in 2016

(Fornebu, 19 June) Telenor Norway is continuing to extend the 4G network across the whole country. The aim is for 95 per cent Norwegians to have 4G coverage during the year, but even so there are always some who feel they have been overlooked. So Telenor is inviting the Norwegian people to come up with suggestions for places that need 4G.

The mobile operator is challenging the whole of Norway to show where interest for 4G is greatest through the "We want 4G" competition. Last year 10 winners were amazed get 4G in their area. This year Telenor is promising a total of 19 winners - a new 4G mast in every county.

"The thinking is that people know best where the need is greatest. So next year we want to carry out 19 extra upgrades across the whole country. These will be in addition to those that are already planned. We are therefore inviting the Norwegian people to show us where the wish for a super-fast mobile network is greatest," says Bjørn Ivar Moen, manager of Telenor's mobile division.

Upgrades independent of number of inhabitants
In order to put your place on the map, the first thing to do is to send in a nomination which shows where 4G is wanted. Then the radio planners will ensure that it is practically possible to carry out an upgrade at the places that are nominated, and that there are not already plans for development in the area in 2016.

"This is part of our efforts to get super-fast 4G in place across the whole country. The competition will open the way for extending coverage to places which would not normally be prioritised. Now we hope that everyone who wants a faster mobile network will enter the competition and show us where we should be installing 4G, independently of the number of inhabitants," says Moen.

Looking for places with strong involvement
Rune Korneliussen was one of those who swung into action when Telenor promised 4G masts in connection with the bicentenary of the Norwegian Constitution in 2014. Wanting a faster internet service at the camp site in Skjomen outside Narvik, he succeeded in mobilising far more than the 150 inhabitants who live there.

"We hope we are going to get plenty of similar stories about places with strong local involvement. Skjomen is basically an outdoor recreational area which would not normally be prioritised when extending the network. Through the competition we discovered a surprisingly large interest and involvement in getting 4G in the area, even with only a few permanent inhabitants. This resulted in a brand-new mast which provides coverage for the camp site and the beautiful recreational area, says Bjørn Ivar Moen.

Three steps to 4G
The competition is being launched on 19 June and you can nominate your place on vivilha4G.no up until 30 August. To send in a nomination, mark your site on the map on the web page, upload a picture of the site and fill out the contact information. The winners of the new 4G network will be announced on Thursday 5 November.