10/11/2004

Vodafone launches 3G service

Vodafone have launched the long-awaited third generation, 3G, mobile phone service that offers video calls and music downloads.

The use of 3G technology promises faster data rates for mobile users that will provide extra bandwidth for better pictures and higher quality sound.

The chief executive of Vodafone, Arun Sarin, said: "Today is an important day for Vodafone and the start of a new era in mobile communications.

"Vodafone live! with 3G will dramatically change the way our customers experience their Vodafone services and we are confident that Vodafone live! with 3G will be a success. Customers want communication, organisation, entertainment and information on the move and they will increasingly turn to one device to deliver these needs – their mobile phone."

He said that Vodafone expected over 10 million customers to be using Vodafone live! with 3G inside 18 months.

Vodafone live! with 3G is initially available in 13 countries around the world: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

Ten 3G capable handsets will offer a wide choice for customers.

Following the earlier launch of Vodafone's Mobile Connect 3G data card and the introduction of initial 3G consumer services across eight European markets, the launch of Vodafone live! with 3G is viewed as a significant step in Vodafone's 3G strategy.

Vodafone have promised customers an easy-to-understand pricing structure and simplified bills to encourage use of the 3G service.

Content purchases will be charged on an event basis and browsing will be free or included in the purchased package.

Vodafone said customers would be offered promotional bundles to help the uptake of new Vodafone services.

(SP/GMCG)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

31 October 2005
Sky team up with Vodafone to offer mobile 3G TV
British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) and Vodafone UK have announced an agreement to launch a mobile TV service in the UK. From Tuesday, the new service called 'Sky Mobile TV' will bring a wide choice of channels, including 24-hour news channels plus sport, entertainment and documentary programmes, to all Vodafone live! with 3G customers.
24 January 2006
Vodafone post strong seasonal figures
Mobile phone company Vodafone have posted strong figures in the crucial period in the run-up to Christmas. Vodafone added 7.1 million new customers to bring the total subscriber base to 179.3 million, which is 30% more customers added than in the same quarter last year.
26 January 2005
Vodafone subscribers top 150m worldwide
The Vodafone group have reported a huge increase in subscribers to their mobile phone network, in the company's latest trading figures. The company reported that it signed up 5.4 million subscribers over the three-month period up to the end of December, bringing their total number of customers worldwide to 151.8 million.
23 May 2005
Vodafone launches simplified mobile service
Vodafone is to launch Vodafone Simply, a new mobile service that has been designed for those customers who want a basic voice and text (SMS) service that is intuitive and easy to use.
28 February 2002
Vodafone Ireland to deliver faster network service
Cramer, Europe's leading provider of inventory management and provisioning automation software, has joined forces with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group to provide Vodafone Ireland with faster transport network service delivery.