3 (telecommunications) - Definition and Overview

3 is the name of a mobile phone operator in Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong, by Hutchison Whampoa Telecommunications. It is the 3G offering from the company, and one of the first 3G networks in the world. 3 is offering 3G services in the following countries: UK, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Austria and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong

In May 2004, its affiliated 2G operator Orange rebranded its services and changed its name to 3 Dualband, referring to the GSM product, and 3 CDMA.

Ireland

3 have an active licence for operation in Ireland, with the access code 083, but do not actively sell phones. They are currently placing masts in the Dublin area. In December 2004, they announced a deal with Vodafone to allow customers to roam on Vodafone's GSM network when out of 3 coverage.

Ownership

• Denmark, Sweden
  • Hutchison Whampoa: 60%
  • Investor AB: 40%
• UK
  • Hutchison Whampoa: 65%
  • NTT DoCoMo: 20% (has agreed to sell its stake to Hutchison Whampoa)
  • KPN Mobile: 15%

External links

• 3's International home page (http://www.three.com)
• 3's Australia home page (http://www.three.com.au)
• 3's Denmark home page (http://www.hi3gdenmark.dk)
• 3's Hong Kong home page (http://www.three.com.hk)
• 3's Italy home page (http://www.tre.it/)
• 3's United Kingdom home page (http://www.three.co.uk)
• 3 Ireland (http://www.3ireland.ie)

Ownership

• 3 (Hi3G) (http://www.investorab.com/en_web/Holdings/Other_holdings/3%28Hi3G%29.htm)