Mobiles2day - Mobile Industry News

T-Mobile UK and 3 announced yesterday that they have signed a deal to share 3G networks. This will enable both telecomms provide fast wireless network covering 98 per cent of the population by the end of 2009.

Companies insist that this move should not be considered as prelude to merger, companies will remain competitors and will not share 2G networks. Companies will continue manage their own services and customers.

Unlike other UK operators, 3 and T-mobile did not invest in fixed line broadband service, they are trying to position themselves as promoters of wireless broadband and this deal should enforce this position. Mobile broadband that both companies provide is based on HSDPA technology, which can offer download speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second.

T-Mobile and 3 are first to conclude infrastructure deal, previous attempt between other operators have failed (Vodafone and Orange, T-Mobile and O2). Both telecomms will save in long term on reduced radion installations and attracting more customers with broader 3G coverage.

3 UK has launched Skypephone - handset with Skype application built in. You can use your existing Skype account to make free calls to other Skypephone or Skype user.

3 claims it works exactly as it would on a PC, so you can chat for free with anyone with Skype installed for hours!If you already have Skype account and have friends added to it, they will automatically appear in your handset when you sign in - which is handy, all your contacts areavailable straight away. Skype chat is also available.

I think it is very useful for people who make or receive a lot of international calls and short on cash. Overseas students who are in UK for example, their parents or friends can call them for free using Skype, person doesn’t need to be in front of PC at that time.

Skypephone is available to pay as you go and pay monthly customers: Pay as you go customers need to top up regularly to keep phone active and it costs 49.99 to buy. For pay monthly customers it will be available on 12£ a month contract.

Handset is capable of playing music and video as well as browse internet. There is a slot for Micro SD card. Handset is dual band so will not work in US.

3 have setup dedicated website for this handset and service:
http://3skypephone.com/

For more details check 3 UK website.

If you have hands on experience with this handset/service please share by posting a comment.