LG increase 3G handset offering in UK

July 8, 2004

LG is expected to deliver two new 3G videophones in the UK during August. The Guardian reported that the Korean mobile phone manufacturer will supply both Orange and 3 with new 3G models. The LG 8120 will be available from 3, whom had already launched the phone in Hong Kong. Orange will be offering the LG 8150 phone for its 3G handset service.

LG 8150

Both handsets retain the LG 8110's clamshell design but have enhancements over its predecessor, such as more storage and better battery life. The sleek 8110 made its debut in May on 3's network and it was the operator's smallest 3G handset at the time. In addition, the 8110 was 3's best selling handset last month.

Orange announced at the beginning of this month that it would begin 3G services on 19 July. The company would initially offer a data only service using a PC card for laptops and would introduce a handset service later in the year with handsets from SonyEricsson and LG.

Orange said it has 3G coverage in major cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Leeds. Its integrated 2.5/3G network covers 66% of the population.

LG's rival Motorola said it would launch 3G mobile phones in Europe in the 4th quarter of the year and aims to be the region's top 3G supplier in 2005. Motorola has been one of 3's main handset supplier but has failed of late to introduced new 3G handsets. It does not think LG phones will compare favourably with its 3G handset in 4th quarter.