Vodafone upgrades network to super-3G

Mobile telecommunications company, Vodafone Group Plc, will be the first UK operator to upgrade its high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network to a speed of 7.2Mbps.

This is twice as fast as the maximum speed currently offered, which is just 3.6Mbps.

Vodafone will upgrade its network to ’super-3G’ in December 2007, beating Orange and T-Mobile who have yet to announce a date to upgrade their own networks.

Vodafone will also be the first UK operator to offer high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), which make it significantly faster to send files as well as to receive them, although this will initially only be available in a limited number of metropolitan areas.

In preparation for the upgrade, Vodafone has released the 7.2Mbps ‘Pebble’ USB Modem, which is available on a two for the price of one offer in the run up to Christmas.

O2 is also planning to offer super-3G and HSUPA - it has announced plans to have both in place from the end of next year.