Vodafone D2 to test corporate customer service

Vodafone Group PLC's German mobile unit Vodafone D2 GmbH is to launch tests for selected corporate customers of its third generation UMTS services in the coming weeks, although not with a mobile phone, but with a card that can be slotted into a laptop.

Vodafone D2 said in a statement: "In this way these (customers) will be able to gain experience of third generation mobile services before the commercial start."

Vodafone D2's main commercial launch of UMTS is set to take place in 2004.

The company is the first German UMTS licence holder to offer such services to its customers.

The other licences are held by Deutsche Telekom AG, mmo2 PLC, and Royal KPN NV's E-Plus.

MobilCom AG also holds a licence but abandoned its plans to become a 3G network operator after nearly going bankrupt.

The sixth licence is held by Quam, a now defunct joint venture of Telefonica Moviles SA and Sonera Corp.