Europe UK : From September 3, Vodafone UK customers who want to benefit from even faster laptop connectivity speeds can invest in a new range of devices that will ultimately deliver the fastest ever Mobile Broadband service - making it possible to both send and receive information over ten times faster than the original 3G service launched in 2004.

The choice of devices will include a new plug and go USB Modem as well as two next-generation ExpressCards; one that is plug and go and another, more suited to corporate customers.

Following the new £25 Mobile Broadband flat rate announced in June, Vodafone UK has experienced an unprecedented demand for laptop connectivity and there's more good news for customers. Throughout autumn Vodafone UK is upgrading its mobile broadband network to support download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps.  This will initially be in central London and major airports* and will offer typical speeds of 1.7Mbps to 5.5Mbps. This allows customers to download a 5MB file in around seven seconds, up to 14 times faster than standard 3G and upload speeds are also increasing up to 1.44Mbps, via a technology called HSUPA, which is up to 10 times faster than 3G. 

HSUPA or High Speed Uplink Packet Access is a new development to Vodafone UK's Mobile Broadband service allowing customers to send information quicker than ever before. It is ideal for professional users such as press photographers that want to be able to seize opportunities as they arise and send large files to the office as quickly as possible.

Kyle Whitehill, Enterprise Business Unit Director for Vodafone UK said: "More than ever, the speed of our Mobile Broadband service is helping people make work, work around them, wherever they are. These devices are fast but they are also future-proofed - they are ready for our new upgraded network and they are ready for the latest PCs or laptops."

The Devices
The USB Modem 7.2 takes on a different design from its award-winning predecessor and being the first 'tri-band 3G' device to be offered in the UK, both it and the ExpressCards are perfect for the transatlantic traveller, permitting customers to use the equivalent of 3G services in the USA and for only £8.50 per 24 hour roaming session**.  Customers also benefit from two antennae on all devices, improving performance in weaker signal areas. 

The ExpressCard comes in two formats.  For the first time a data card will be plug and go, just like the USB Modem, and the other version is more suited to corporate customers.  Both formats are also backwards compatible using an adaptor which customers can place over the card so it fits the more traditional PC card slots.

Prices start from £49 with an 18 month contract for both devices and customers buy online, in store or by talking to a business advisor and account manager.  For more information customers should visit www.vodafone.co.uk/mobileoffice.