LONDON-Vodafone Group plc launched consumer-focused third-generation services in two European countries, with other countries to follow in coming months, the global mobile operator said.
Vodafone customers in Germany and Portugal can initially use Samsung Z105 and Sony Ericsson Z1010 handsets to view expanded Vodafone live! mobile Internet content at increased speeds.
The operator previously began offering 3G services via PC data cards to business users in several European markets. This launch marks the carrier’s first consumer-focused services and signals the 3G handset market could be maturing to an acceptable level for large carriers. Several European operators have pushed back 3G deadlines, claiming a lack of high-quality 3G handsets and market readiness for the advanced services.
Vodafone spurned industry trends with the launch of its 2.5-generation Live! data service with a Sharp Corp. clamshell phone. However, Vodafone now sells a variety of 2.5G Live! handsets, including Nokia Corp. phones. Further, Nokia and Vodafone promised the carrier would sell 3G Nokia phones for its 3G Live! offering.
However, only the Samsung phone will be immediately available in retail outlets, followed by the Sony Ericsson phone and additional models later in the year, Vodafone said.
The carrier did not offer pricing information for the services or handsets. Vodafone said its “full launch of enhanced services” will take place later this year.
The German launch steps up pressure on the country’s market leader, T-Mobile, which planned to begin 3G services in Germany, the United Kingdom and Austria this month. Following the Vodafone announcement, T-Mobile said the Nokia 7600 UMTS is now available to its German postpaid subscribers. Since April, T-Mobile has offered a laptop-focused UMTS service package in Germany.
