MmO2 trials faster phones

Mobile phone group mmO2 is to trial technology allowing users to download music, video clips and games three times faster than existing third generation networks, it said today.

The network will operate at speeds equivalent to fixed broadband, making it easier for mobile users to access DVD-quality clips and large email attachments.

MmO2 will start testing mobile broadband on the Isle of Man next summer through its subsidiary Manx Telecom.

The announcement comes amid intense competition amongst mobile operators to break into the 3G market.

Rival Vodafone launched its 3G technology last month, allowing mobile users to make video calls and giving them access to a host of features such as CD quality music, movie trailers and Premiership football clips.

Operator 3 already provides 3G services in the UK, while Orange and T-Mobile are expected to follow suit by the end of the year. MmO2 is set to launch its first 3G services in early 2005.

The advanced system to be trialled by mmO2, in partnership with Lucent Technologies, is in its early stages and could be launched in the next couple of years.

MmO2 chose the Isle of Man to carry out the trials because it provides a self-contained area where it can set up a small network.