
Europe
UK : The Isle of Man, located in the British Isles, announced that
O2 successfully launched Europe's first commercial, super-fast third
generation (3G) mobile data network earlier this month. The 3G network
was developed by the company's subsidiary Manx Telecom on the Isle
of Man through a partnership with Lucent Technologies.
The 3G network
on the Isle of Man incorporates HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet
access) technology and positions O2 and Manx Telecom at the forefront
of providing advanced mobile data services to customers within Europe.
The network will provide full island coverage where customers use
mobile communications services today. Based on advanced technology
from Lucent Technologies, the futuristic network builds on O2's previous
successful live trials of early 3G on the Isle of Man at the end of
2001. It also complements existing work that O2 has conducted with
its two principal networking partners: Nortel Networks and Nokia Corporation.
"Our leading fixed,
mobile and Internet services as well as our resilient off-Island connectivity
are attracting the attention of technology companies around the world,"
said Tim Craine, Director of E-Business for the Isle of Man Government.
"At the forefront of the next generation of telecommunications
technology, we are able to provide our growing business community
with state-of-the-art services to ensure companies continue to thrive
on the Isle of Man."
Recognized for its pro-business
environment and responsive government policies, the Isle of Man has
become the home to a flourishing interactive entertainment and technology
industry. Many companies are establishing operations in the Isle of
Man to access the UK and European Union markets. To assist in this
process, the Isle of Man Government provides generous grant packages
of up to 40% to help offset the cost of moving, setting up operations,
and acquiring new office equipment. The 3G mobile data network is
yet another benefit the Island offers, as customers of gaming companies
located on the Island will now be able to download interactive multiplayer
games 3 times faster than today's commercial 3G UMTS networks.
The Isle of Man is abolishing
its general corporate tax rate, which is scheduled to take effect
in April 2006. Government is also proposing to introduce a personal
income tax liability cap at the same time. The zero corporate tax
initiative is part of the government's strategy to expand the Island's
technology community and enhance its reputation as a AAA rated jurisdiction.
This combines world-class standards of regulation, transparency and
telecom infrastructure with extremely beneficial rates of direct taxation.
In addition to progressive
government policy, more than $90 million has been invested in the
Island's telecommunications infrastructure over the past five years.
The Isle of Man is leading Europe with innovative technology investments
which include implementation of this Super Fast (HSDPA) 3G network,
two self healing (SDH) fiber rings connecting the Isle of Man to both
the UK and Ireland, 100 percent broadband coverage and free ADSL and
ISDN connections available for businesses and individuals.
About the Isle of Man
Located off the
coast of the United Kingdom and situated in the center of the British
Isles, the Isle of Man is recognized worldwide for its pro-business
environment. The Isle of Man Government supports companies with a
team of experts who advise on international tax, legal and banking
issues. The Government's political stability and vibrant business
economy, as demonstrated with AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's
and Moody's, make it a perfect location for North American companies
looking to establish a European headquarters. The Island's colorful
heritage, diverse scenic beauty, enhanced by many annual cultural
events, hotels, conference and leisure facilities provides the basis
for its flourishing technology, tourist and film industries. With
excellent educational, health and social amenities, the Isle of Man
provides a unique quality of life, which is appreciated and treasured
by all its residents both old and new.