Only a little while ago mobile phone companies were falling over themselves in praise of 3G. Third-generation networks were going to bring real-time video streaming to our phones, give us location-based services, and turn the humble mobile into a powerful handheld device. But when the costs of the 3G auction in the UK rose to £22.5bn experts questioned whether it made good business sense. Now we hear complaints that 3G has been over-hyped and is going to be later than expected. The French 3G auction collapses because hardly anyone wants to pay £3bn for a licence, and analysts speculate that if the 3G roadmap goes pear-shaped irate shareholders could sue. NEWS:
Future of 3G causes concern
Mon, 05 Feb 3G or not 3G, that is the question. Delays and overhype are standing in the way of a positive answer Mobile firms could face legal action over 3G
Wed, 31 Jan The fact of the huge sums paid for 3G could yet come back to haunt mobile investors French 3G woe could impact on UK
Thu, 25 Jan French auction flounders and where does that leave UK companies? ITU draws up 3G roadmap
Mon, 08 Jan A nod in the right direction for 3g roadmap More woe for 3G, says research
Fri, 05 Jan Was spending so much money on those licences very wise after all? Morphing i-mode phones to upstage 3G debut
Thu, 28 Dec Analysts believe i-mode and its hybrids could usurp 3G, leaving a major headache for its investors Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet News forum. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read what others have said.