New 3G plan still being plotted by Vodafone

The plans announced by Vodafone to upgrade and expand its network has now had to be moved back due to issues with one of its supplier, which it may be penalising although no confirmation of this has been made.

The new revised schedule for the extension and upgrading of its 3G network is due to be revealed by Mid-February according to an announcement made by Vodafone.

Back in December 2007 Vodafone made the announcement that it planned to extend its 3G mobile broadband network coverage to at least 95 percent of the Australian population and also the upgrading of its 3G network. Christmas of last year was meant to be the completion date for Vodafone’s program but due to the constant delays that beset the program this has constantly pushed its plans back.

Ericsson, the equipment supplier for Vodafone has reported to have been blamed for the latest set of delays, and financial penalties have been considered by the telco.

A spokesman for Vodafone refused to comment on whether it would be seeking to penalise Ericsson, although he did advise that a new schedule was being worked on between the two companies.

The 3G mobile broadband network upgrade, which is set to cost around $500 million, is also designed to extend its service availability to regions that stretch beyond the current metropolitan areas with the use of the high-speed HSPA network protocol.

Although Vodafone will be continuing its plans for the upgrade to its wider national network separately, it will also be continuing its partnership with Optus on its 3G network in major metropolitan areas throughout the country.

A national coverage expansion program, which by the end of the year is aimed to reach 98 percent of the Australian population, has been undertaken by Optus.