H3G set March 3 launch date and adds The Link to retail list
January 7, 2003
Following the failed 3G launch last year, Hutchison is hoping to have paying customers in both the UK and Italy in the first quarter of this year, probably in March. It led to speculations that Hutchison is aiming to launch 3G service in the UK on March 3 (03/03/03). Phones4u, mobile phone retailer in the UK, confirmed the date (03/03/03) is what Hutchison 3G is aiming for but added the launch may be delayed further as the "infrastructure isn't there yet".
Meanwhile, Hutchison 3G UK has added The Link to its list of retailers that will sell its 3G handsets and services under the brand name 3. The Link, part of the Dixon Group, joins Phones4u and Carphone Warehouse that have a retail agreement with Hutchison 3G UK.
Nick Wood, The Link Managing Director, said, "We're delighted 3 are giving us the opportunity to showcase their services on the High Street, and we're looking forward to taking this next step in partnership with them."
A sale person at The Link in London said they have not received the release date or have a set date for the arrival of handsets from Hutchison.
Hutchison's 3G services include live video calls, digital mapping and location based services, mobile video clips of Premier League football highlights, music, games, news and finance.
Hutchison has opened its retail outlet in Italy where consumers can preview future handsets and services, but the store does not have any 3G handsets for sale. The opening of outlet stores in the UK have been delayed but a spokesman said customers would be able to preview products in UK stores in the next few weeks.
3gnewsroom.com
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Paving the way for 3/03/03 slippage... so soon?
LOL! |
