Vodafone has upgraded its 3G network and claims mobile broadband users in some areas can now access the web at a theoretical maximum of 14.4Mbps.
The company says it is the first mobile operator to hit that level, although only those in areas of London, Birmingham and Liverpool can use the upgraded service at the moment.
Vodafone said it plans to roll out 14Mbps mobile broadband to the rest of the UK "on an ongoing basis".
However, while 14.4 Mbps is the theoretical peak rate, customers can expect to see typical speeds of anything between 1 and 4Mbps with a practical maximum speed of 10.8 Mbps.
Most current Vodafone mobile broadband customers can access the faster speeds immediately. The company said over 80 percent of all Vodafone datacards/dongles and 3G handsets can take advantage of the improved network.
"Customers trust us to deliver a mobile network that they can rely on - wherever they are and whether they are individuals, or a small, medium or large business," says Jeni Mundy, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK. "Today's network upgrade means customers can be reassured we're consistently enhancing the quality of our network in response to demand."
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Comments
Tim Jones said: Reading the terms and conditions of the broadband contract is usually a good start if you want to establish what the ISP deems fair 3G broadband is not intended as a replacement for fixed line broadband its just a way of getting online to be used where you might otherwise not be able to And why shouldnt Vodafone offer faster connections to those that want them and are willing to pay for them Why do you dislike other people having fast broadband access If it proves a commercial success its surely more likely to be rolled out to other parts of the country Let those that want and can get it and are prepared to pay for it do so If its a viable business model costs will come down and the rest of us may get a shot at having it too As for all ISPs having a limit that you reach faster by having a faster web connection what rot I have stupidly fast internet and have never been told I am going to be charged for exceeding my download limit let alone cut off
Cyteck said: Hum call me an old cynic if you like but in my opinion the push for ever faster download speeds by some UK ISPs is nothing more than yet more marketing hype ie a classic case of all that glisters is not goldYES and isnt it rather interesting that Vodaphone dont state a specific date by which the entire country will definitely have access to their new wiz bang faster service My guess is it will probably take them several years if they were honest but admitting this would be negative marketing so they forget to tell you amp me what a coincidence
Carl Barron said: The whole exercise of increasing broadband speed is seriously flawed as all ISPs have a limited fair usage policy even those ISPs who claim to give unlimited download still state a fair usage policy is in place Hence by increasing the download speed the faster you reach your limit before you either have restrictions placed on you and at worse loose your contractUntil such time as this problem is addressed the push to watch TV via Broadband will only hasten the problems occurrenceSigned Carl Barron Chairman of agpcuk