From Thursday 22 June, customers can purchase a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G broadband (HSDPA) data card and take advantage of significantly improved data transfer speeds on their laptops.

Greater London (within the M25), Glasgow, Sheffield, Greater Manchester and Tyneside will be the first major UK conurbations to experience 3G broadband with roll out continuing across 3G coverage areas.  Full 3G broadband roll out covering Vodafone's entire 3G network is targeted for completion by summer 2007. From Thursday, customers can also roam over Vodafone's 3G broadband network in six countries (Austria, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Hong Kong).

Also available through its usual channel partners is the Vodafone 3G broadband-compatible 3G/UMTS Router, which enables instant group access to networks, email and the Internet.  The 3G/UMTS Router also allows additional devices, such as printers, to be connected using Ethernet or 802.11g wireless connections. Further enhanced by 3G broadband, it is designed to be quick and easy to set up providing even higher speed mobile data connectivity for teams working on the move.

The 3G broadband's improved peak download speeds can be up to 1.4Mbps and upload speeds at 384 Kbps. Vodafone's 3G broadband also offers up to three times the capacity of 3G, which allows more users in the same location to benefit simultaneously.

Pricing starts from £25 (excl VAT) per month (Data 250), which includes 250 Mb of data.  For, £45 (excl VAT) per month (Data Unlimited) customers can benefit from unlimited usage.