Telenor has announced the launch of its 4G mobile network in 11 cities and towns in Norway.

Customers with PC and tablet will be able to use the service from today, while mobile users will have it “in good time for Christmas”.

Berit Svendsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, said the timing was “brilliant because 4G mobile phones are now being stocked by retailers".

She added that more than one in three Norwegians will have 4G-coverage this year, rising to nine in 10 in 2015.

Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Lørenskog, Sandnes, Lillestrøm, Asker, Bærum, Lofthus in Hardanger and Longyearbyen are the first places to get the new service, which will provide speeds of up to 40 Mbps.

"The current rapid development of digital services places increased requirements on the mobile network, and with 4G we are taking an important step towards increased capacity and faster speeds,” said Svendsen.

“Everything is in place for efficient streaming or downloading of films and music, image sharing and video conferencing whenever and wherever."

Telenor has 3.2 million mobile subscribers in Norway and is the country’s market leader with a 49 percent market share.

It acquired a 4G licence in November 2007, which is valid for 15 years.