FAQs Continued...

Are All Handsets 3G Enabled?
The vast majority of the newer handsets will be 3G enabled as it moves to become the norm in the industry but you need to check any handset you buy to ensure it has 3G functionality.

Is There A Real Need For 3G?
As the number of worldwide mobile phone users continues to grow demand on networks around the world has been increasing dramatically. More and more customers are also requesting new services and functionality, much of which is not available without 3G networks. The mobile phone companies have invested literally billions of pounds into these networks and there is a need to obtain some kind of return - all to the benefit of the consumer.

What Can 3G Offer That Earlier Networks Did Not Offer?
The whole attraction of the 3G revolution is the fact that data can be transferred at speeds far removed from the earlier networks. This allows services such as wireless telephone calls, video calls, wireless broadband and mobile internet TV to be added to the mix. The 3G network is bringing the mobile phone industry and the media / entertainment sectors much closer together – something which was forecast many years ago!

How Long Has 3G Been Available?
The first commercial 3G network was launched by NTT DoCoMo Japan in 2001 and slowly but surely it has been drip fed into markets all over the world. 3 Mobile was the first company in the UK to pick up the 3G baton and release an array of 3G services to the market.

Will My Handset Work Overseas On a Non-3G Network?
As the whole industry has not yet upgraded to 3G, most phones will offer a dual 3G and standard network service to enable functionality around the globe. So called roaming costs, i.e. the cost of linking with partner networks overseas, can vary and should be checked out before you use your phone on the continent.

Is Mobile Broadband Better Than Wi-Fi?
Generally Wi-Fi is a short range broadband system where as in theory mobile broadband is available wherever there is a network signal from your provider. Traditional Wi-Fi is often restricted to the home or an office for business purposes.

Will 3G Become The Norm In The Mobile Phone Industry?
As the roll out of 3G continues around the world it is fast becoming the norm in the industry but at some stage this will be superseded by 4G although this may take a little longer than originally forecast.

Why Is Mobile Broadband So Popular?
The popularity of mobile broadband has moved onto a new level of late with subscribers attracted by the speeds, reliability and flexibility it now offers. There has also been a major reduction in package and equipment prices as the service goes mass market.