3.5G - five times faster than 3G with Vodafone

This month Vodafone Malta is launching High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA or 3.5G), CEO Hatem Dowidar announced to the local media last week.

Speaking at Capua Palace during the annual Christmas lunch, Mr Dowidar said Vodafone is stepping into 2007 with an even more dynamic approach and more upbeat energy after a successful 2006.

HSDPA offers even faster wireless data transfer speeds than 3G - five times faster - and 40 times faster than 2G.

Mr Dowidar started his speech in Maltese, greeting the members of the media, and then went on to outline the companies successes this year, including the launch of 3G - the first operator in Malta to launch the service.

He also announced that wireless broadband Internet (WiMax) would also be rolled out in 2007, enabling even home users to benefit from this service.

The first 3.5G mobile phone, the Motorola V1100, will be available from Vodafone shops later this month and the HSDPA Mobile Connect Card V740 is already available for sale from Vodafone. HSDPA will be available first in the St Julian's area and at Malta International Airport, since it is initially expected that the tourism market will have a demand for the service.

3G has put the fun into mobile telephony, Vodafone said in a statement, with video calling and full track music downloads, including access to the latest songs by top local artists.

3G also expanded the boundaries of the workplace, since it permits reliable data downloads at the speeds needed in this environment, whether in Malta or in major European cities.

Mr Dowidar said the 3G coverage now includes Valletta, Birkirkara, Hamrun, St Venera, lower Iklin, Lija, Pembroke, Sliema, Paceville, Swieqi and MIA.

Another first from Vodafone this year was the launch of Malta's first Corporate Responsibility Report, underlining the company's commitment to correct, transparent organisational behaviour at all levels.

Vodafone said it was happy to close off 2006 with the launch of HSPDA and with the launch of new services in 2007, there was an eventful year in store for its customers.