T-Mobile Fund: Saving a unique monument

• Reconstruction of a unique Saxon monument in Probluz will be completed in November
• The monument's rebuilding financed by the Via Foundation from the T-Mobile Fund
• Almost CZK 2 million distributed among 26 projects in the Hradec Králové region

Prague/Hradec Králové, 18 October 2006 - A unique monument from the Austro-Prussian War can be saved thanks to a CZK 70,000 donation from the T-Mobile Fund. The monumental, 8-meter high obelisk made from local sandstone, decorated with a Saxon emblem, has stood on the historical battlefield of Probluz near Hradec Králové since 3 July 1866.

"T-Mobile has been giving support to projects that are related not only to the social sphere and medical services, but also to culture," says Martina Kemrová, spokesperson for T-Mobile, adding: "We are happy that we have contributed to this monument's opening to the general public. The more so that it reminds us of an important part of European history."

The conflict between the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I and the Prussian king William I was waged with the aim to change the political map of Europe in favor of the militaristic Prussia. The Prussian victory at Hradec Králové turned this intention into reality and a few years later, in 1871, Germany was united under Prussian supremacy.

The unique Saxon monument is one of a whole set of funeral architectural pieces related to the Austro-Prussian War that can be found in the Hradec Králové region. It is located along the educational path "Battle of Hradec Králové on 3 July 1866 - the southern flank" which originated as a part of the VIA BELLI 1866 project.

The monument is surrounded by eight cast-iron pillars that are connected to one another by a massive chain. On one side of the monument wide stone steps are attached. "The historical monument was badly damaged by moss, lichens and algae. The stone itself was also impaired by air pollution, the sandstone was heavily weather-worn in many places, and there was a threat of irreparable damage to the monument. The metal parts have corroded and were missing in many places," says Martina Kemrová, describing the recent state of the monument.

However, at present there are restoration works in full swing and specialists are restoring particularly the stone parts of the monument. The monument's restoration should be completed in November.

The monument of Probluz was built as a memorial to the soldiers belonging to the Saxon army unit who died in the battle. They fought under Crown Prince Albert who led the left flank of the Austrian Northern Army against the Prussian forces led by General Herwarth von Bittenfeld.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.