Mobile carrier decides that European business is ready for fast data on next-generation networks; consumers must wait, for now.
Mobile carrier Vodafone has today announced the commercial launch of its 3G services in Europe, commencing with the continent's first high-speed laptop data card, the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS card.
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This will offer data rates up to 384 kbps, up to ten times faster than a standard 2.5G GPRS connection, and will come in a PC Card form-factor. Vodafone intend to launch the card in the next month in various European countries: Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The card will currently be able to operate on the 3G network in most major cities and key transport routes, where 3G reception is available. When outside of coverage, the Mobile Connect datacard automatically switches to the standard GPRS network. Of course, Vodafone intend to increase the coverage of their 3G network in the coming years.
Vodafone are also planning to target consumers with their 3G service, which is to supplement and enhance the network's current live! offerings. This program is currently being trialled across Europe with a launch planned in the next few months. Services and devices will become more prevalent later in the year.
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