Europe Portugal : Vodafone has launched a new version of its Vodafone Mobile Connect Card with upload speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps, four times faster than the upload speeds currently available on mobile networks. This launch makes Vodafone the first Portuguese operator to offer its customers terminals that support HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) technology, a natural evolution of the 3G Mobile Broadband network.

The new Vodafone Mobile Connect Card in Express Card format supports download (data reception) speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and upload (data transmission) speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps and is priced at 129.90 euros with a 12-month contract. To ensure compatibility with all laptops, the sales pack includes an adapter to the traditional PC Card format.

At the end of September, Vodafone will also launch a new version of the Vodafone Internet Connect Box (USB connection) that also supports HSUPA technology. This new data card will be priced at 99.90 euros with a 12-month contract.

The 3.6 Mbps and 7.2 Mbps Mobile Broadband price plans will be available with the new upload speeds with no alteration to the monthly charges.

The development of Vodafone’s network to support HSUPA is scheduled for October 2007 and will reinforce Vodafone’s position as the mobile operator offering the fastest Mobile Broadband access in Portugal, both in download terms (up to 7.2 Mbps in some areas of the country) and upload terms (with the introduction of speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps).