Europe : With the launch of EDGE, Swisscom is introducing Switzerland's first broadband mobile network with nationwide coverage. EDGE makes high-speed data transmission possible wherever mobile calls can be made on the NATEL® network. EDGE complements Swisscom Mobile's existing technology mix, which includes UMTS and WLAN, and increases mobile bandwidth from 30 to as much as 200 kbps. The first EDGE-enabled mobile phones are already on the market, and other models and a PC card will follow shortly. In June 2005, Swisscom Mobile will also be introducing a flat rate of only CHF 79 per month for mobile data communication (for up to 1 GB).

EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is based on the tried-and-proven GSM network. The widespread availability (99.8% of the population) of EDGE is a decisive advantage for all business and residential customers who also want to be able to use data services outside large conurbations or in buildings without UMTS.

"EDGE makes it possible for us to provide a high-quality mobile broadband network to rural regions of the country as well," explains Carsten Schloter, CEO of Swisscom Mobile. However, we remain committed to UMTS as the technology of the future, and will continue to expand our UMTS network." Swisscom Mobile's UMTS network currently supplies some 90% of the Swiss population and is complemented by more than 800 WLAN hotspots enabling very high bandwidths in some locations. Thanks to the combination of these technologies with EDGE, the mobile bandwidth available to NATEL® customers has been increased from 30 to 100-200 kbps - many times faster than ISDN, which is available more or less all over Switzerland. With this move, Swisscom Mobile is taking a leading role in Switzerland and Europe, and will again be investing several hundred millions of francs in 2005 to expand its network infrastructure.