Pannon GSM Telecommunications Ltd. signed a concession agreement in October 1993. A year later, it deployed Hungary’s first GSM system. As a result of the growing network and new services, the number of customers supported by regional offices rose continuously in the first few years. By 1996, Pannon’s network covered the whole country and by the new millennium it had over 1 million subscribers.
In January 2002, Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor acquired 100% of Pannon GSM’s shares. Since then, the company has been serving its customer base of 2 million as part of an international network. In addition to voice services, the start of the new millennium saw mobile data services and mobile Internet gain ground.
In 2006, Pannon updated its image and introduced the international logo of its parent company, Telenor. In 2009, the company moved to Törökbálint to one of Hungary’s most state-of-the-art and most environmentally conscious office buildings.
In May 2010, Pannon adopted the Telenor name and brand identity connecting its 3.6 million Hungarian customers with the 179 million-strong Telenor family in 14 countries of Europe and Asia.
1993-1996
The early years
1993
In October, Pannon GSM Telecommunications Ltd. signs a 15-year concession agreement with the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Water Management.
1994
Pannon GSM installs Hungary’s first GSM system in Budapest.
Commercial mobile phone service, round-the-clock customer service and voice mail service are launched; the showroom on Váci út is opened.
Pannon GSM launches Hungary’s first two data services under the names PannonFax and PannonData.
1995
In March, Pannon GSM launches Hungary’s first short message service (SMS) under the name PannonHívó.
1995 sees the launch of the PannonFaxtár service and the establishment of regional offices (in Veszprém, Győr, Debrecen, and Pécs). By the end of the year, Pannon GSM’s services are available to 75% of Hungary’s population.
1996
The Conference Call service is launched and new showrooms are opened at Astoria and on Fáy utca.
In July, Károly Lotz, Minister for Transport, Telecommunications and Water Management, inaugurates Pannon GSM’s third mobile switching centre in Székesfehérvár.
Voice mail services are enhanced. Private Voice Mail is made available to all subscribers free of charge and the price of Business and Business Plus Voice Mail services is also significantly reduced.
In December, nearly 99% of Hungary’s population is covered by Pannon. The number of Pannon GSM subscribers reaches 170,000 which is a more than twofold increase compared to late 1995.
Nationwide services are supported by four switching centres, 501 base stations, 10 regional offices, and more than 500 employees.
1997-2000
GSM
1997
In April, Pannon GSM and T-Mobile Magyarország Rt. are the first operators in Europe to establish an SMS connection within the same country. With the launch of Pannon Praktikum, Pannon is the first operator in Hungary to offer prepaid rechargeable phone cards.
The number of subscribers increases by more than 50% to 260,000 by the end of the year. The company has its first profitable year in Hungary in 1997 with a non-audited net profit exceeding HUF 1 bn.
Emri Gussi, CEO of Pannon GSM, leaves Pannon upon the expiry of his three-year assignment. His successor, Miklós György, enters office on 1 January 1998.
1998
Pannon is the first operator in Hungary to extend its GSM system to cover a section of Budapest’s metro line.
Pannon introduces several innovations at the IFABO exhibition including a GSM 1800 test system, its newest service, a Web-based directory, and the world’s first beverage vending machine to use a GSM phone as a remote control.
On 12 September, both Hungarian GSM operators migrate from six-digit to seven-digit numbers in the space of a few hours. From this point on, all Hungarian GSM numbers have the number nine as their first digit.
In December, Björn J. Flakstadot is appointed as CEO of Pannon.
At the end of the year, Pannon has 8 switching centres, over 800 base stations, 21 regional offices, about 350 Pannon Partner shops, and more than 760 employees. By the end of the year Pannon has roaming agreements with 100 GSM operators.
1999
Pannon once again renews its long-term agreement with Nokia for the supply of GSM equipment. In the meanwhile, the number of its subscribers grows by more than 65% (270,000) in 1999.
Telenor enters the Russian market through VimpelCom.
2000
Pannon introduces the PannOnline Website offering customers online access to subscription-related information. Pannon launches its WAP service under the name PannonW@P.
The company launches its PannonSztráda data service offering a transmission rate of 43.2 kbit/s.
In November, in addition to the 900 MHz band Pannon commences operation of the 1800 MHz frequency band.
At the end of 2000 Pannon has over 1.2 million subscribers.
Pannon has over 1,000 base stations across the country of which 216 are put into operation in 2000. The year 2000 sees the launch of the company’s 10th switching centre. Pannon’s services are available at 32 regional offices and showrooms, and 330 Pannon partner shops throughout the country. It has roaming agreements with 147 operators in 69 countries.
2001-2004
In momentum
2001
In February, Webstore PannonNetShop is opened and Pannon makes its cell information service commercially available.
In May, the number of mobile subscribers overtakes that of fixed-line subscribers in Hungary. Pannon has 1.5 million subscribers.
Pannon is the first operator to launch GPRS service with nationwide coverage in Hungary.
In August, the company – targeting primarily young subscribers - introduces the Bee brand. Pannon is the first Hungarian GSM operator to certify its billing system.
2002
In February, Hungarian authorities approve the acquisition of 100% of Pannon’s shares by Telenor.
The number of subscribers reaches 2 million.
Pannon launches its Corporate Mobile Network service and introduces flat-rate WAP, the first service in Hungary to offer unlimited roaming without a minute rate for all GPRS and data calls. In September, Klaus Holgaard Rasmussen is appointed as CEO of Pannon GSM.
The MMS service launched in October enables customers with an MMS-enabled handset to send and receive digital photos and pictures accompanied by voice and text.
Pannon’s new flat-rate Internet service enables prepaid customers to access the Internet through GPRS for the first time in Hungary.
2003
Pannon GSM and T-Mobile Magyarország Rt. join forces to enable their customers to use their mobile phones anywhere in the Budapest metro and underground network.
In May, Pannon GSM makes the first public EDGE test call in Europe, while on 20 October it becomes the first European operator to introduce EDGE service.
In November, the djuice brand is announced.
2004
In April 2004, Ove Fredheim takes over as CEO of Pannon GSM.
Pannon GSM and T-Mobile Magyarország Rt. launch a mobile payment solution available to any Hungarian bank, utility company, and their customers.
Pannon’s customer service can be called free of charge from the Pannon GSM network by dialling 1220 and premium services are available at 06 20 200 0000.
At the end of the year, in a tender announced by the National Communications Authority, Pannon GSM obtains the right to purchase the most valuable 3G licence "C" to offer its customers unprecedented data rates, wireless e-mail download, and Internet and multimedia services.
2005-2009
Broadband technology
2005
Pannon GSM continues building its broadband network in regional cities and around Lake Balaton. The new network, offering data transmission rates much higher than the traditional GSM system, supports an expanding range of innovative services.
Pannon announces the new Pannon Navigator mobile navigation system.
In November, Pannon starts testing HSDPA technology over its live network in Budaörs.
2006
In February, Pannon switches to a new, modern image in the framework of which the Telenor logo is introduced in Hungary.
From April, the company begins distribution of a new PCMCIA data card providing business and home users with the fastest data transmission rate ever.
The Telenor Group celebrates its 100 millionth subscriber in Budapest.
By December, Pannon makes its mobile broadband (EDGE) services available to nearly 100% of Hungary’s population.
2007
Fifteen mobile operators and content providers, including Pannon’s parent company Telenor, sign a joint statement in Brussels for safer mobile use by teenagers and children.
On CSR Day, eight Hungarian corporations make a commitment to cut their CO2 emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change upon the initiative of Pannon.
Pannon celebrates the groundbreaking ceremony of its new office building at Törökbálint. The company makes a commitment to spend HUF 20 bn on the development of its mobile broadband network in the next two years.
Pannon has 3.378 million subscribers.
2008
In cooperation with Ericsson Hungary, Pannon begins testing of a mobile phone system designed to provide 3G (UMTS) services over the 900 MHz band.
Pannon, T-Mobile and Vodafone sign a joint, self-regulating code of ethics to promote safer mobile telephone use by young teenagers and children.
In September, Pannon makes BlackBerry services available to its customers and adds BlackBerry devices to its portfolio.
Figyelő TOP 200 awards Pannon the title of “The Most Successful Company of the Year”.
2009
In April, Ove Fredheim leaves and Anders Jensen takes over as CEO of Pannon.
Pannon installs the country’s first wind powered base station.
The company launches the Pannon Legends competition to boost the development of small communities and promote use of the mobile Internet.
Hungary’s most powerful, heat pump-based heating and cooling system is switched on at the Pannon House, Pannon’s new office building in Törökbálint.
Pannon presents the contemporary art concept of its new office building and the winners of the art contest announced for the creation of works of art to be displayed at the Pannon House. The Pannon House is inaugurated by H.R.H Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway in the presence of Jon Fredrik Baksaas, Chairman and CEO of the Telenor Group.
2010-
Telenor Hungary
2010
From January, customers must dial 11 digits to make phone calls, send SMS/MMS messages or use videophone services in the network of Hungarian mobile operators.
In March, the company announces adoption of the Telenor name and brand identity connecting its 3.6 million Hungarian customers with the 179 million-strong Telenor family in 14 countries of Europe and Asia.
In April, Pannon starts testing LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology. The world’s fastest mobile broadband technology is expected to be available to Hungarian mobile Internet users as soon as 2012.
