Vodafone first to offer HSDPA service in UK

Extension to 3G technology promises download speeds up to 1.4Mbit/s

Vodafone has announced its HSDPA wireless broadband service will be available in the UK from Thursday 22 June for laptop users with a 3G data card.

HSDPA, an extension of the current 3G technology, allows peak download speeds of around 1.4Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 384kbit/s, according to Vodafone.

The service will be available initially only in five areas: Glasgow, Sheffield, Greater Manchester, Tyneside and London within the M25. A full rollout covering Vodafone's entire 3G network is set for completion by summer 2007, the company said.

From Thursday, laptop users will be able to access the high-speed service with a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G broadband data card. Data tariffs start at £25 per month for 250MB of data, or unlimited access for £45 per month, subject to fair use policy.

The data cards cost £99 with the 250MB price plan and £49 on the unlimited price plan.

Laptops are also available from Dell, Acer and Lenovo with integrated data cards to make use of Vodafone's HSDPA service.