December 2, 2004
Don't buy a 3G phone this Christmas says Which?
UK consumer group Which? has recommended that people do not buy third generation mobiles, saying that UK network coverage for 3G is too limited to make the cost of the phones worthwhile.
Four years ago, mobile phone networks invested £22bn in the 3G licences and are hoping to claw back some of it in the run-up to Christmas.
"There are teething problems with 3G phones and coverage so we recommend sticking with a 2G phone for the time being," Malcolm Coles of Which? said.
Which? also describes some of the 3G handsets as "bulky".
But Edward Brewster, from 3 Mobile, accused the consumer group of a "lack of understanding" of the market, "On 3 Mobile, 80% of the British public can access our 3G video mobile services.
"And 99% can access our voice services and in ever increasing numbers."
Which? was also "mistaken" on the issue of quality and size of 3G handsets with the lightest weighing in at 114g and offering increased functionality, he added.
(via BBC News and The Guardian.)
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