Vodafone Australia has completed the upgrade of its WCDMA/HSDPA network in major regional centres, increasing 3G coverage to 80% of the Australian population. Vodafone will now provide peak download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps, with typical download speeds between 300 Kpbs and 1.5 Mbps. The planned second stage of the upgrade will further expand 3G coverage to 94% of the population. At the same time, the operator has also revamped its mobile broadband data packages.

Vodafone customers in major regional centres will now be able to access data services such as mobile broadband* on their laptop or PC as well as internet, email and rich multimedia content like mobile TV and video on their mobile phone.

Andy Reeves, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Australia, says Vodafone’s upgrade to 3G in major regional centres will give local customers access to its market leading data pricing.

“We are committed to investing in our network to provide Australians with high quality service and the best value 3G services where they’re needed most,” he said.

Vodafone has a new suite of high-value capped plans launching on Monday, 4 May 2009, which boast a huge monthly data allowance of 1GB on its $69 Cap Contract and 2GB on its $99 Single Business Cap.

Vodafone $69 iPhone Cap (24 months) is currently the best deal in Australia with a free iPhone 3G 8GB, $400 credit for calls, text and standard services, plus 1GB of mobile data.

Vodafone’s 3G coverage will now reach 80 per cent of the Australian population. When the second stage of the upgrade is completed by 31 August 2009, Vodafone 3G coverage will reach over 94 per cent of the Australian population.

To access Vodafone’s 3G services, customers will need a 3G compatible mobile phone or mobile broadband* device. Existing Vodafone customers with a 2G mobile phone can continue to access voice and txt services as normal following the upgrade.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile communications group with over 289 million proportionate customers as of 31 December 2008. Vodafone currently has equity interests in 25 countries across five continents and a further 42 partner networks worldwide.