O2 UK kicks off EDGE upgrade
Though it's commonplace in these parts, portions of the world rife in glorious UMTS and HSDPA haven't had nearly as much of a need for a duct-taped hack of an expansion to GPRS -- EDGE -- as we have. Anyhoo, O2 is just now getting around to adding EDGE to its UK towers, and while we don't know the exact reasoning, it could be indicative of an imminent iPhone launch. If Apple delivers the same 2.5G iPhone to Europe that they've delivered to the States, EDGE is going to go from a nice-to-have to a must-have real quick for buyers and carriers alike. Then again, O2 could just be doing a favor to its old-skool subscribers, too. In either case, though, faster data's always a good thing, so we're not going to bite the hand that feeds us on this one.
[Thanks, James]
[Thanks, James]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Martin @ Sep 7th 2007 5:29PM
O2 is by far the least advanced network in the UK so, iPhone or not, it's good for their customers that they're installing it.
The timing fits the expected iPhone launch plans for Europe so it certainly adds credence to the 'O2 for the UK' rumours. Looks like we're not getting a 3G phone then!
Tom @ Sep 7th 2007 6:28PM
Just out of interest, why would you say that O2 was the least advanced network? I thought that their support for various features and standards was quite good. Who would be the most advanced in your opinion and why? Not saying you're wrong, just asking really!
Macka @ Sep 7th 2007 7:11PM
O2 have just launched a HSDPA service. The info on their data card claims speed up to 1.8Mb/s. I saw one today, and the guy who owned it claimed he was getting close to that. 3G devices are ubiquitous now in the UK, and HSDPA is very close behind. So EDGE is just a complete waste of time. Apple would be better off installing their Email and Google Maps software on the iPod Touch for use over WiFi, and forgetting about the iPhone until they can package HSDPA with a reasonable battery life. This is a different market to the US, and EDGE isn't going to attract anyone when the competition is so much faster.
Niz @ Sep 7th 2007 8:28PM
no matter what the data charges are ridiculous on any network, the speed has never been an issue to me when the cost are high.
OperationWinkle @ Sep 8th 2007 1:24PM
Here in Birmingham, UK I seem to be getting EDGE on T-Mobile on the old Web 'n' Walk plan. Anyone else seen this?
OperationWinkle @ Sep 8th 2007 1:53PM
My bad - looks like I was roaming for no reason!
Rob @ Sep 8th 2007 1:49PM
More likely this has something to do with the European model:
http://news.com.com/8301-13579_3-9773982-37.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5
Joe @ Sep 8th 2007 2:24PM
Do vodafone do this?
Chrisphillers @ Sep 8th 2007 6:35PM
very very sad news this is a massive hint that the iphone in its current iteration will be released in Europe. This news pretty much confirms it - we are all using HSPDA over here, why in the work would they be installing dated EDGE technology for any othere reason? I for one am gutted no 3g iphone means I certainly wont be buying it - you simply cant sell a non 3G phone, its data speed will be unuseable. I use VOIP, streaming video, google maps, internet etc etc on my 3.5g N95, as much as I love the look of the iphone it just cant compete in this aspect. Of course this isnt to say the iphone will do will - of course it will, the general public wont realise/dont really know what a step backwards 2.5G is and its limitations.
Chrisphillers @ Sep 8th 2007 6:37PM
Excuse my clumsy English - "Of course this isnt to say the iphone will do will" Should be "of course this isnt to say the iphone won't do well"!
Oh Blah Dee Blah Dah @ Sep 11th 2007 11:13AM
Perhaps, Edge is being added so that the iPhone will work EVERYWHERE in Europe. The faster 3G and HSDPA are not ubiquitous. Having a high-end, full-featured phone, with only 3G and NOT being able to get a 3G signal to use the phone would be very upsetting.
In my opinion, I believe Apple will have a European iPhone with Quad-GSM INCLUDED with 3G and HSDPA, and position it at the upper level of the product range at the price point of the original USD $600 equivalent. The US iPhone version may be available at a lower price for those who want an iPhone and can live with EDGE, and want to spend only USD$399 for the lower range product.
Pete Burrows @ Sep 11th 2007 2:27PM
I agree - what is the point of Apple releasing a 3g iphone when most of europe cant access it?
Also the iphone has wifi builtin - which is alot faster and cheaper than 3g, so there is no need for a 3g iphone atm.
With wifi hotspots poping up all the time too the iphone will rock in europe!
I will be getting one when its launched in europe regardless of 3g or not in it, i work from home and have a wfi network at home anyway so 3g is pretty irrelevant.