Vodafone Launches HSDPA

Vodafone UK is launching its HDSPA upgrade from tomorrow in several main cities within the country. Greater London (within the M25), Glasgow, Sheffield, Greater Manchester and Tyneside will be the first major UK conurbations to experience 3G broadband with roll out continuing across 3G coverage areas. Full 3G broadband roll out covering Vodafone's entire 3G network is targeted for completion by summer 2007. From Thursday, customers can also roam over Vodafone's 3G broadband network in six countries (Austria, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Hong Kong). More countries will be added as Vodafone's 3G broadband footprint expands.

Mark Bond, Sales Director, Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone UK, comments: "3G broadband is designed to meet the needs of today's 'work anywhere' business culture, as more and more people access their email or office network whilst on the move or away from the office. As the first operator to provide 3G broadband in the UK Vodafone customers will benefit from the fastest mobile data speeds enabling them to work more efficiently and productively."

Vodafone UK's 3G broadband trials earlier this year revealed how customers expect it to make a positive difference to their mobile working:- For example, 73% of trialists said they would prefer to use 3G broadband instead of WiFi in the future after experiencing 3G broadband. 85% said they would prefer to use 3G broadband over hotel provided broadband and 87% said they would recommend 3G broadband.

Further research also revealed that businesses expect 3G broadband to deliver: increased productivity and flexibility; faster secure access to the company network; faster email and attachment downloads while away from the office and a better working experience. The same research also showed that 82% of companies have deployed some form of mobile data device to their staff indicating that 3G broadband could make a great difference to the way users work while away from the office.

The company does not plan to charge a premium over standard 3G services for the HSDPA upgrade."

Posted to the site on 21st June 2006