3G data: the choice expands

22 Nov 2004 15:33

Mobile professionals now have a choice of four 3G mobile data solutions from UK network operators. Check out our reviews.


	The UK's first 3G network was launched by 3 in March 2003, since when the company has offered handsets carrying consumer-orientated services such as video calls, location-based applications, sports highlights, games and so on. Although 3 has now signed up over a million customers in the UK, the lack of data services means that few of these are likely to be mobile professionals.

Data services are provided by Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and, most recently, O2.

These solutions, all based on a PC Card-plus-software bundle, are in their infancy and are evolving as the competitive landscape changes. Therefore, you'll need to look carefully at factors such as 3G network speed and coverage, handover between 3G, GPRS and -- in some cases -- Wi-Fi networks, and tariff structure. The table below provides links to some of this information.

3G datacard solutions
	O2	Orange	T-Mobile	Vodafone

3G data solution
	O2 Data Card 3G/GPRS	Orange 3G Mobile Office Card	T-Mobile 3G Communication Centre	Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS datacard
3G coverage
	Check here	Check here	Check here	Check here
Key features
Protocols supported	3G, GPRS, SMS	3G, GPRS, SMS	3G, GPRS, SMS	3G, GPRS, SMS
Software	O2 Connection Manager	Mobile Office Card dashboard	T-Mobile 3G Communication Centre	Vodafone Dashboard
Wi-Fi hot-spot access	yes (O2 handset account required)	by end of 2004	yes	yes
Mac support	no	no	no	yes
384Kbps throughput	yes	yes	Q4 2004	yes
Tariffs
	Check here	Check here	Check here	Check here

ZDNet UK has now reviewed all four available 3G datacard solutions in the UK, allowing you to compare each product and decide which is best for you. Check out the links listed below for all the details.

Story URL: http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,1000000696,39167071,00.htm