www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Vodafone’s 3G network goes live in hundreds of regional areas today (Monday 31 August), increasing competition and offering choice and value to customers.
Vodafone customers in upgraded areas can now access 3G services on-the-move, such as internet and email on their mobile phone, or laptop via Vodafone Mobile Broadband*.
To celebrate the 3G upgrade, Vodafone is offering all new and existing customers (on prepaid and contract) unlimited, free access to Facebook on their mobile phone, until 31 October 2009^.
Nigel Dews, CEO at Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA), says regional customers can now enjoy 3G services at Vodafone’s great value prices.
“Vodafone is committed to investing in its network to make state-of-the-art 3G services more accessible and affordable.
“Vodafone’s great value 3G services are now available to Australians living and working in regional cities and towns, as well as business travellers and holiday-makers who need to stay connected.
“More Vodafone customers, in more places, can now get online on their mobile phone or laptop while they’re out and about, to keep up-to-date on emails, stay in-touch with friends and family via Facebook, MySpace or Twitter and blog, game or Google,” he said. Vodafone’s 3G network coverage now extends out to Kununurra in WA, Port Douglas in Queensland and Devonport in Tasmania, reaching 94 per cent of the Australian population. Vodafone’s 3G coverage previously reached 80 per cent of the Australian population.
To access Vodafone’s 3G services in both regional and metropolitan areas, customers can purchase one of 18 3G 900Mhz mobile phones available on Vodafone prepaid or contract, such as the prepaid Nokia 6220 for $229. Vodafone Prepaid Flexi Caps start at $29 (includes $300 total value)~ and give customers the freedom to spend their included Flexible Credit any way they like – on calls, txt, internet browsing, instant messaging and downloading games or music. As part of the upgrade, Vodafone’s regional 2G network will now support EDGE technology. Existing Vodafone customers with a 2G mobile phone will continue to access voice and txt services as normal and can experience an increase in data speeds. Coverage maps, information on compatible mobile phones and pricing details are available in Vodafone stores and online at www.vodafone.com.au.