Hutchison plans October launch for 3

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 30 Jul 2002 at 09:54

3, the Hutchison UK brand for 3G telephone services, will launch in October. But although the name may be missing a G, the company predicts the G may appear in glitches.

Canning Fok, group managing director for Hutchison3G said in a conference call to expect dropped calls where users move between 3G and 2G networks: 'There will be dropped calls, but we don't think dropped calls are a problem as every network has dropped calls,' he said.

However, moving between network generations may occur frequently: the company plans to kick off with around 3,500 cells offering only 50 per cent UK coverage, increasing to 6,000 by the end of next year (80 per cent coverage). And if you're paying the predicted £1,000 or so for a video-capable handset, dropped calls will not be impressive.

Hutchison has a deal with mm02 to pass off 3G calls to its network when a user moves out of 3G coverage.

The company initially hopes for between 5,000 and 10,000 subscribers at launch. Hutchison will also establish 3G networks in Italy, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and Sweden.