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It is official : the first Microsoft mobile working in 3G networks announced
February 12, 2004 [General] | By anonymous 1.

Is it Microsoft Smartphone? Or maybe Pocket PC phone? Read on...

No, the first Microsoft mobile working in 3G networks is actually a Windows XP powered notebook equipped with Vodafone´s 3G data card:



Vodafone is the biggest cellular network operator/carrier in the world. It is present not only in Europe but also in Japan and USA. Vodafone, contrary to some weak operators, is skipping 2.75G (i.e. EDGE) and goes directly to UMTS/WCDMA (full 3G). Vodafone bought, for over 100 billion (!) dollars an operator in Germany (formerly known as "Mannesmann") and now Vodafone considers buying some operator in USA fully (Vodafone already has shares in Verizon USA but since Verizon uses different technologies, Vodafone wants to buy AT&T Wireless). Unfortunatley Vodafone lately announced that Microsoft smartphones are not ready yet for prime time, but we still hope that this approach of Vodafone will change soon, particularly because:
  • Vodafone and Microsoft signed agreement regarding web services
  • Vodafone now promotes Vodafone branded phones (part of their hugely popular Vodafone Live! service) rather than Nokia branded phones; in fact Vodafone got angry at Nokia - that it promotes its own brand and solutions, rather than Vodafone´s brand and services - thus business model of Vodafone is already compatible with Microsoft´s business model where operators are branding phones, not hardware vendors
Just this week Vodafone commercially launched of 3G networks in Europe - and introduced above mentioned card. More info follows.

* * * * *

Vodafone announces the commercial launch of its 3G services in Europe. The first service from Vodafone will be the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard, Europe´s first high speed lap top datacard.

With data rates of up to 384kbps, the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard will enable Vodafone customers to access all their usual office applications like e-mail, calendar and internet at up to ten times the speed of GPRS. This will enable customers with a lap top to work anywhere just as if they are in the office.

The greater data speed of the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard, coupled with its reliability and ease of use, will generate greater business productivity and enhanced responsiveness from mobile workers.

Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard will be available in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK over the next four weeks. The commercial launch of the 3G datacard follows successful customer trials conducted across Europe with thousands of business customers.

3G coverage is currently offered in most Vodafone markets in major cities and an increasing number of transport routes. When outside of 3G network coverage, the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard automatically switches to Vodafone´s GPRS network, which offers full coverage, meaning Vodafone customers will have continuous access to their normal office applications. 3G coverage will be expanded continually by Vodafone over the next few years.

Customer trials of Vodafone´s consumer 3G service, which will enhance the Vodafone live! offering, are currently being conducted with selected Vodafone customers across Europe. Initial customer feedback is positive and Vodafone will introduce a consumer service in the next few months, with an enhanced range of 3G devices and services becoming available later in the year.

Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, said:

"The announcement of the launch of our 3G services is a major milestone in Vodafone´s 3G journey. With significantly faster data rates and greater capacity, customers will really start to see and experience the huge benefits of 3G, by being able to do more, faster. Feedback received from our customers indicates how the card can transform the way they work.

"The benefits of Vodafone´s investment in 3G and the step change in customer experience it brings, will become increasingly evident this year as we introduce new 3G devices and services for both business and consumer customers. 3G will enable Vodafone to drive more mobile minutes, deliver high quality content and entertainment, and enable greater productivity by mobilising business. In introducing our 3G offerings, we will be taking further advantage of our scale and scope and thereby delivering better services to our customers and more value to our shareholders."


To read more click here

Credit: slyi.


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