Belgacom boss apologises for 4G outburst

Belgacom rolled out 4G – which offers internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G but is only available on certain high-end devices – in Hasselt, Ghent, Leuven and Antwerp in November last year. The network is delayed in the capital because of tighter limits on radiation from phone masts. To meet those limits while providing coverage, operators have to install more masts, which takes time and permission.

“The capital of Europe runs the risk of being the only place in Europe without 4G,” Bellens told a group of reporters at a reception, claiming that the government’s restrictions risked forcing businesses to leave the capital. “It’s high time the political authorities recognised the link between the development of a country, the creation of jobs and the role telecommunications has to play.”

Guy Vanhengel, Brussels minister for finance, said he “understood Bellens’ anger”. Vanhengel’s party, Open VLD, abstained in the vote in the Brussels parliament that brought in radiation limits in 2007. “We warned there would be problems with 3G coverage and that 4G wouldn’t work at all. Didier Bellens may have used strong language, but he’s also voicing the opinion of the other operators.”

Bellens’ apology came after he was called in to explain himself by the federal minister for government enterprises, Olivier Labille. “I made it clear that his comments were damaging to the image of the company and the country,” Labille said.