martinlittle.com:thinkThin

Why dont Three offer data in the UK? They do in Sweden and Denmark. Thats just weird.

Tell us about it, Carrick. We've been calling for data on Three since the network launched!

It's going to be interesting to see if they finally get something done about it when Orange and Vodafone get their offerings out there.

I have a real feeling that 3G data cards have the power to be a wi-fi killer. If the networks can get their coverage rolled out and their pricing right, the wi-fi networks (with their location-specfic availability) could die overnight.

Richard, I *don't* think 3G will be a WiFi killer. My feeling is that the two will exist together (I'd expect to see plenty of WiFi & 3G integrated cards or phones), for use in different circumstances. The argument is going to come down to cost vs coverage/convenience.

3G will be ideal for having coverage everywhere, eventually, but that coverage is going to cost. Say GPRS costs GBP 1.50 / MB at the moment. I wouldn't expect 3G data to cost any less, apart from initial promotions.

If you're in town and needing access, that suddenly makes buying a coffee at Caffe Nero and surfing via WiFi for GBP 5/day a much more financially sensible option.

The interesting point for me will be when we have devices that utilise fast and wide data connections, whether that be WiFi or 3G, in a handy form factor. I'm thinking a smaller, thinnner P900, with bigger & better screen, more (expandable) storage and, oh yeah, some killer apps. Once people are truly able to leave their laptops in the office and access data on my move, we'll start having fun.

How far away can that really be?

Great site, by the way, came to it via Mobitopia.

Anyway, I've recently started using an XDA II, and as far as the goal of leaving laptops behind, it certainly goes a long way.

Websites load quick (with images turned off), and the sort of thing I'm viewing (google groups, forums etc) display well on the portrait screen - certainly much better than a few years ago.

Email works well too.

Because it's an all in one device, there's no faffing around pairing phones etc.

Haven't got as far as trying to wi-fi enable it, but one day.....

Now an XDA using 3G, now that would be something to write home about!!

Thanks, Pete. I use my P900 in a similar way, but it really needs faster data and WiFi to complete the package. Landscape browsing would be a major plus, too!

Going back to 3, I think probably competition is the key. Here they have two other nets that offer 3g data now, vodafone and tele2. So they basically had to do something about it.

Based on the literature I've recently received from Three UK, they are *still* all about pushing videos. Once Orange and Vodafone roll out their 3G offerings, the only real reason to even consider Three will be for cheapness of calls, and from what I've heard, Orange and Vodafone are not going to be taking any prisoners with their voice pricing when they launch in the next few months. Orange and Vodafone will almost instantly have better 3G coverage than Three, as well as excellent 2G coverage for when 3G isn't available. Three's linkup with O2 has been a waste of time; there are still several areas in the middle of major cities where you just don't get coverage, not to mention when you're out in the country.

In terms of handsets, Orange and Vodafone simply have bigger and better buying power than Three, as well as very well established relationships with the big players. Three have been used to knock many of the wrinkles out of the equipment for several manufacturers. Now it's time for the real push to begin.

When Three launched I had huge hopes for them, but they haven't innovated on the data front, which was continually identified as key, and are about to face massive competition. They have not used their first-mover position to get the market into it's pocket. I certainly would not be surprised to see them bought by O2, who are they only network not to have imminent 3G launch plans, as far as I've heard. Playing with new technology has to be done with great skill and thought, which Three have not demonstrated. Repeatedly.

I've added and edited to that previous comment and made it into a proper post over on Mobitopia.