Vodafone New Zealand Plan to Offer Mobile Broadband Based on HSDPA

Vodafone New Zealand is planning to offer New Zealanders mobile broadband solutions, sending out a confirmation that it will launch 3G Broadband by the end of 2006.

“3G Broadband opens up a new dimension of fast and simple working and harnesses the advantages of mobility, taking internet access in New Zealand to a whole new level,” says Vodafone New Zealand CEO Russell Stanners.

The new service will be offered on Vodafone’s 3G mobile network and will based on the HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access).

With 3G Broadband customers will benefit from initial download data speeds up to 4 to 5 times faster than currently available on the UMTS service, which provides speeds of up to 384kbps (kilobits per second). Vodafone says the service will be similar to current standard DSL rates.

Vodafone has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its 3G network to allowing the company to provide services like video calling, mobile music store and video clips downloads.

Vodafone New Zealand has been running 3G Broadband laboratory trials for the past six months. Details about specific 3G Broadband products and services, pricing or intended roll-out plan are currently not being made available.