UK switches on to 3G
Third generation (3G) mobile services became officially available for the first time on the UK mainland with the launch of the Hutchison 3 network on 3 March. This means that callers will be able to hold video conferences, send video clips via GSM networks, and access the Internet faster than ever. While 3G handsets will not be available in shops until the end of March, mobile phone companies in the UK began taking orders for the new phones on the same day as the launch. Having made more than 30 billion euro on the sale of 3G licenses in 2000, the UK government is a keen proponent of the new technology. UK Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, said at the launch: 'Today marks the arrival of 3G services in the UK. As the leading western market, the UK will be the pathfinder for this new technology. The possibilities are immense.' Italy is the other EU country leading the way in the roll out of 3G services. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi received the county's first 3G call in December.