Vodafone gets Dell to build in high-speed mobile data
- Author:
- Antony Savvas
- Posted:
- 14:14 25 Jan 2006
- Topics:
- Laptops
Vodafone has signed a deal with Dell to provide built-in, high-speed mobile data access in its laptops, for users subscribing to itss new High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network.
HSDPA is faster than current 3G and 2.5G networks, which Vodafone users can already take advantage of with a separate laptop datacard.
The Dell deal covers HSDPA users in the UK, France and Germany.
The deal will see Dell build HSDPA-compatible laptops to order, with users having to subscribe separately to Vodafone’s HSDPA service.
Vodafone is currently trialling HSDPA, along with other mobile operators.
By integrating the technology with laptops, Vodafone is hoping that its new network will take off more quickly than its 3G network, which still only supports a very small percentage of its overall customer base.
The integration of Intel’s Centrino Wi-Fi access technology into laptops has enabled the Wi-Fi market to take off among business users in particular.
