Hutchison doubtful on 3G mobile launch
[[ from Data on RB ]]
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON)
October 29, 2002, Tuesday
By Simon Goodley
MOBILE operator Hutchison 3G has cast doubt over its plans to launch the UK's first third-generation (3G) commercial mobile phone service before the end of this year.
The company has previously said that the service would begin signing up paying subscribers by the end of 2002, after completing a trial in the UK and Italy.
However, a spokesman for the company said: "I can't answer [if the service is likely to launch this year]. I don't know. I would like to say 'yes', but it depends on how the phased roll-out goes." Hutchison has taken delivery of about 1,000 3G handsets. An undisclosed number are on trial with Hutchison employees and suppliers. They are providing feedback on the 3G service, which will allow users to download large amounts of data, such as websites, to their phones at high speeds.
Updated handsets are being sent out to users, who are also returning older versions of the phones to Hutchison.
The company would not reveal what changes it is making to the handsets, but it added that it would not launch a commercial service before the service was ready.
The reluctance to release the service, branded "3", follows the ill-fated release of WAP (wireless application protocol) phones, which never recovered from a rushed launch that exposed technical glitches and poor content.
Although it is unlikely that Hutchison will have a commercial service this year, it is still planning to open three retail outlets by the beginning of December, two in London and one in Birmingham.
Instead of selling the new phones, the shops will initially concentrate on demonstrating 3G, which will include services such as using a phone to watch videos of Premiership goals.
The news of the probable delay to the launch comes as a new report claimed that the commercial prospects of 3G are better than previously expected.
Over the next five years 3G penetration will reach 50pc in Europe and could be as high as 75pc in some countries, according to consultancy Thinkingbox.
Five mobile operators paid a total of pounds 22.5 billion for 3G licences in the UK. Market watchers are sceptical that they will get their money back.
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<g>
"Updated handsets are being sent out to users, who are also returning older versions of the phones to Hutchison."
How old can they be?
The Release 99 legacy?
New handsets every month after the 3GPP RAN meetings?
LOL |
