FORNEBU, Finland -- Winning 3G spectrum license in Pakistan this week, Telenor Group continues its steady rollout of high-speed mobile data and Internet for All across its Asian markets. Telenor Pakistan was granted 2x5 MHz of 3G spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, valid for 15 years, in the country's first-ever next-generation auction conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Telenor Pakistan becomes the fourth of Telenor Group's six Asian operations with 3G network infrastructure. Telenor will add millions of Pakistani subscribers to the Group's growing base of more than 100 million subscribers in its 3G-powered Asian markets.

"This is a strong start of the next chapter for Telenor Pakistan and a great milestone for our tenth year in operation. Pakistan is our fourth '3G market' in Asia, and as we've already experienced in Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh, 3G is the enabler of better, faster and more flexible data services and, of course, of Internet for All," said Tore Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Telenor Group region Asia and Chairman, Telenor Pakistan.

With a 3G-ready network already in place, Telenor is planning a rapid rollout across Pakistan as soon as necessary clearances are issued. Telenor's 8,000--site network in Pakistan has been ready for next-generation technologies since 2013, when the company conducted a comprehensive modernization of its network infrastructure. The company has already developed and introduced comprehensive internet content offerings to its customers, including partnerships with services such as Facebook and WhatsApp. As early as 2009, Telenor Pakistan partnered with Tameer Bank to create Easypaisa. Today, Easypaisa is one of the world's most successful mobile, branchless banking services and a key driver for financial inclusion in Pakistan.

The total cost of the spectrum granted to Telenor Pakistan in the April 23, 2014 auction will be USD 147,5 million.

Telenor Group (Nasdaq: TELN)