Upgrades for 35 million before the Arctic Race: - Benefits the inhabitants
August 3 rd 2021 - 12:05
Arctic Race of Norway partner Telenor is investing around NOK 35 million in the host municipalities ahead of this year's Arctic Race of Norway. These are lasting investments that ensure the inhabitants good mobile conditions even after the bike ride is over.
This year, the speed ride will also enjoy the super-fast 5G mobile network in Tromsø. Telenor, the host municipalities and the Arctic Race of Norway work closely together to ensure good conditions for mobile phones from start to finish. The race begins in Tromsø on 5 August, continues to Nord-Troms and Kilpisjärvi in Finland, before ending with stages from Finnsnes to Målselv on 7 August and from Gratangen to the final finish in Harstad on 8 August.
Invest NOK 35 million
Telenor has prepared well, so the cyclists' support staff, media and locals get optimal mobile conditions throughout the race.
- Not everyone has the opportunity to follow the cyclists while they cycle past in the local environment, but this year most will get good conditions if they want to follow the TV broadcasts via PC, mobile or tablet, says Vice President for Coverage at Telenor Bjørn Amundsen. He says that Telenor has made upgrades for around NOK 35 million along the trails. These are investments that are permanent, and which will benefit the inhabitants of Troms even after the Arctic Race is over.
Large-scale modernization of the mobile network
- We are in the process of a large-scale modernization of the mobile network. The more than 100-year-old copper network is being phased out into a more modern and faster network over fiber and mobile. We have big plans for Tromsø and the rest of the region, says Amundsen.
New this year is that the super-fast 5G network has opened in Tromsø. According to Amundsen, this is just a taste of what is to come.
- The first three base stations are located in different areas. One is in the middle of the city, just south of Nerstranda, while the other two are located by Stalheim and Workinnmarka. If you are in these areas, then you will be able to enjoy extreme speeds on your mobile. We are in an early stage and there is admittedly no overlapping coverage yet, but this is coming.
The coverage director will traditionally follow the race from the motorcycle with advanced equipment for coverage measurement.
- When the race starts, I have already been through the trail to make sure that the coverage is good. I will measure along the way, so we can adjust the base stations where needed. All in all, there will be good conditions along the trail, the coverage director says.
Provides ripple effects for the region
Mayor Gunnar Wilhelmsen in Tromsø affirms that Arctic Race of Norway and what comes with the race is important for the city and the region.
- One of the most important things we can do for people to encourage them to live and work in Northern Norway is to facilitate good communication. What Telenor contributes in this way is very good for our citizens. Arctic Race of Norway is wanted in Tromsø, both because it is a big sports event, a folk festival and good advertising for the region, which also causes ripple effects for us. Now we see that Telenor is expanding for several millions of NOK, and that is good.
More than a bike ride
Arctic Race of Norway is an established race on the International Cycling Union's calendar, and part of the Europe Tour.
But general manager Knut-Eirik Dybdal in the Arctic Race of Norway emphasizes that the ambition is to be more than a bicycle race.
- We want to contribute to a positive development of Northern Norway, and through the partnership with Telenor, we leave lasting values for the benefit of people and business in the region, says Dybdal.
Telenor will be visible As a co-organizer of the Arctic Race, Telenor is clearly visible along the trail through the four stages.
- Arctic Race is important for Telenor. In addition to being a top sports conference that reaches out to the world through television, we see that we can combine an important sponsorship with building better coverage where people live and work even after the race is over, says Sponsor Manager Petter Svendsen in Telenor.
Telenor supports all aspects of sports, winter and summer, width and top.
- But I probably do exaggerate when I say that this is our most spectacular sponsorship. Here, top sports are combined in some of the most beautiful nature we can offer, and we reach out to many parts of the world, says Svendsen.
Facts about Telenor's investments
Telenor has invested around NOK 35 million to ensure a good mobile network during the Arctic Race. These are investments in permanent equipment. The largest investment has been made in Tromsø, but upgrades have also been made in the following municipalities: Harstad, Balsfjord, Målselv, Senja, Tjeldsund, Lenvik, Storfjord, Ibestad, Evenes, Gratangen and Sørreisa. Investments have been made in everything from 5G (Tromsø) to 4G upgrades, new cables and completely new base stations.
Photo: Telenor