Vodafone launches 3G network

Nov 10 2004 - 03:16 AM ET | 3G, Vodafone
As expected, Vodafone today launched its 3G network. The network has been a massive investment by the company thus far--some estimates are as high as $129 billion. The activated markets are: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Vodafone aims to have 10 million third generation customers by March 2006, still a small percentage of Vodafone's current 140 million customers. Ten 3G phones are shipping from Vodafone as part of the launch: * Motorola C980 * Motorola E1000 * Motorola V980 * NEC 802 * Nokia 6630 * Samsung Z107V * Samsung Z110V * Sharp 802 * Sharp 902 (first 2 megapixel camera phone in Europe) * Sony Ericsson V800 Vodafone Live! has been updated with loads of 3G content--music, video and more. Pricing will vary depending on location, but will be competitive.