Vodafone has chosen South Korea’s Samsung to provide its first 3G phone for their kickstart launch of services in Germany and Portugal, but hopes to expand its range over the coming months to include handsets from Sony Ericsson. People close to the operator said Vodafone was also in discussions with LG of Korea and Japan’s Sanyo to purchase additional phones, highlighting Asian manufacturers’ lead in 3G technology. However, Finland’s Nokia is also developing a phone for Vodafone.

The launches are the prelude to much wider 3G service offerings across most of Vodafone’s other European operations later in the year. Mobile operators across Europe spent a total of about €100bn buying 3G licences at the height of the telecoms boom. The technology, as it is rolled out, will allow users to surf the internet and download pictures and other data at speeds several times faster than current 2G networks. Vodafone will also use the new technology to offer its customers live video calling, a service pioneered by Three, the mobile operator controlled by Hong Kong’s Hutchison Whampoa. Continue >>

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Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we been been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!