Serbia's first third-generation ( 3G) mobile network was launched on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica sending a video message to a famous singer.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of the commercial operation of the first 3G mobile network by Telecom Serbia, Kostunica said that the 3G technology opened up new horizons in the telecommunications sphere, developed new ideas, created new jobs and brought new products and services to Serbia.

"Serbia's first goal is economic development, because we can have a strong state only if its economy is strong," Kostunica said.

He said that the new network renders Serbia and Telecom Serbia a part of the huge modern world family.

The 3G network will allow for fast Internet, watching television programs on the mobile phone, listening to music, watching music videos and movies, and getting traffic information.

According to earlier announcements, the 3G signal will first be available in the capital Belgrade and two other big cities Novi Sad and Nis.

Source: Xinhua