O2 Launches 3G Network in Ireland

O2 Ireland has commenced a limited 3G network launch among selected business and individual customers. O2's 3G network coverage extends to more than 35% of the population and covers major urban centres such as Dublin city and county and the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny. Some 25 customers have been equipped with Nokia 6650 handsets and are using O2's 3G network for their voice and data communications.

Danuta Gray, chief executive officer, O2 Ireland, said: "We are very happy to announce the introduction of our 3G service and that a limited number of customers are already using the network. Our initial focus will be on the main cities around the Republic of Ireland and on trialling appealing new multimedia services and applications. Our intention is to introduce the service on a more widespread basis later in 2004 once the issue of handset availability is overcome."

O2 Ireland hopes to bring mass market 3G services to Ireland in the second part of 2004 and into 2005. However, the company has emphasised that making 3G a mass market service will depend on the availability of an adequate supply of good quality handsets, competitively priced and with sufficient battery life.

Yesterday's announcement follows the start of friendly user 3G trials by O2 Germany last month.

Commenting, the Chairperson of the telecoms regulator, ComReg, John Doherty said: "Today's announcement by O2 is a significant milestone in the roll-out of 3G services throughout Ireland. I am pleased to see that all the operators now have their 3G networks up and running, and I look forward to the wider availability of next generation services to mobile users in the near future."

Posted to the site on 16th December 2003