Europe Ireland : 3, Ireland’s mobile media network, has switched on its mobile broadband network increasing the data speeds available to Irish consumers over 3G by ten times, with an advanced HSDPA network upgrade offering the fastest mobile broadband in the country.

Inset on left shows Minister for Communications Mr. Noel Dempsey, TD and Christian Salbaing, MD, European Telecommunications at 3 Group. Both quoted below.

Today 3 launched its high-speed mobile broadband network in Dublin and services will be available nationwide* by January 2007. With speeds of up to 3.6 MB per second, 3’s customers can now enjoy mobile broadband services with the fastest streaming, downloading and browsing of content and internet services available over mobile.

Today’s announcement reinforces 3’s commitment to having the very best mobile network and delivering the most innovative services to Irish consumers, at great value. 3 brings an added benefit by being able to quickly and efficiently roll-out mobile broadband to 85% of the population, without the delays associated with fixed-line.

Commenting on the announcement, Robert Finnegan, 3’s Managing Director said: “This is great news for our customers who can access their favourite video clips, TV or websites even faster than before. The mobile broadband speeds we’re offering match or exceed those available in the Irish market from either fixed line or mobile operators. We are also offering the most competitively priced broadband packages available, challenging the fixed line operators by offering a faster and better service nationwide.

Robert continued: “Because of the slow roll-out of fixed-line broadband services, uptake in Ireland has lagged behind other European countries. Today’s announcement shows 3’s commitment to the Irish market in making Ireland a serious broadband player.”

Minister Dempsey welcomed the news from 3: ”As Ireland aims to reduce the digital divide, 3G mobile technology is playing a significant role in bringing converged services and great value broadband to the nation. With over 103% mobile penetration, mobile broadband is bringing high speed internet services to Irish consumers with the added benefit of mobility. 3 is the first operator to launch mobile broadband and we welcome the speedy introduction of HSDPA from the other operators.”

3’s mobile broadband packages start at 24.99 euros for 250 MB and 39.99 euros for 3000 MB. Datacards start at 49 euros.

3’s broadband services can be accessed from a range of HSDPA handsets and datacards on sale in 3Stores initially in Dublin and nationwide by January 2007. 3 is the largest 3G network in Ireland with over 80% population coverage for 3G mobile media services and nationwide coverage for voice and text.