Mobile phone giant Vodafone has launched its Vodafone Live! third generation service in 13 countries, including Ireland.
The new 3G technology will allow Vodafone users to see and hear one another when making a call, download full-length music tracks and 3D games, and watch clips from Premiership and UEFA Champions League football matches.
In Ireland four new handsets will initially be available - the Motorola V980, the Nokia 6630, the Sony Ericsson V800 and the Sharp V902. The company says handset prices will start at €169.
Details of prices for voice and content will be announced later this month when the handsets become available. Vodafone says prices will be based on 'two new big voice bundles', with content purchases charged by event.
Vodafone bought its Irish 3G licence for €114m in 2002, and says it has spent €150m on rolling out a 3G network which now covers 62% of the population.
Arun Sarin, chief executive of Vodafone, described today's launch as 'the start of a new era in mobile communications'.
