Hutchison Telecom Australia has launched its third generation mobile phone services, as first operator in Australia. The company, 58 percent owned by Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, is offering its services under the brand name 3, like it does in Europe, where it also recently started its 3G service. From today, 3 customers can video call other 3 customers in Sydney and Melbourne, and in the UK and Italy. This will progressively expand to Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Australia, and overseas to Hong Kong and Sweden in the coming months. 3 launched with two handsets: the Motorola A830 and the NEC e606. The Motorola A830 will cost $480 (EUR 269) if paid upfront or $20 per month for 24 months plus $100 connection fee. The NEC e606 will cost $768 (EUR 430) upfront or $32 per month for 24 months plus a $100 connection fee. In the next few weeks, another handset will be added to the range: the NEC e808N. The Motorola A920 will be available in a few months. Voice calls cost 15 cents for 30 seconds with a maximum charge of $99 per month after which calls are free, up to 1000 minutes of usage.
