3G Network Launched in Australia

Australia's first 3G network was launched yesterday, with the launch of Hutchison Telecoms 3 network. The launch of 3 featured Australia's first official mobile video call made between Sydney and Melbourne by NSW Premier Bob Carr and Victorian Premier Steve Bracks with Hutchison Telecoms CEO, Kevin Russell. Mr Russell said Australian users are set to benefit from a whole new range of mobile communication services.

"3 is a suite of new services in the Australian mobile marketplace. What we're offering has not been seen here before, but it will become a part of everyday life. And I believe sooner than people expect," said Russell.

"We're offering mobile video calling - the first and only in Australia, fresh video news, sport and comedy on demand, mobile video messaging complete with visuals and sound, the ability to have your emails read out to you on the move and, of course, we also offer the basics - voice, SMS, picture messaging and games," Russell said.

From today, 3 customers can video call other 3 customers in Sydney and Melbourne, and in the UK and Italy. This will progressively expand to Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Australia, and overseas to Hong Kong and Sweden in the coming months.

3's voice, SMS and picture messaging can be used throughout Australia via 3 and its roaming partner, Vodafone. International coverage is consistent with what customers experience with GSM today.

New 3 Shops have already opened in 19 locations in Melbourne and Sydney. By the end of the year, more than 70 stores will be open, including sites in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 3 will also be available via high profile distributor Strathfield Car Radio from May.

3 launched with two handsets: the Motorola A830 and the NEC e606. In the next few weeks, another handset will be added to the range: the NEC e808N. The Motorola A920 will be available in a few months."

Posted to the site on 16th April 2003