3G's big year will be '03

In Europe, at least...

The last quarter of next year will be the busiest in Europe for launches of 3G networks. That's the prediction of cellular industry analysts EMC, who predicts "with confidence... in the region of 40 commercial launches next year," according to a statement. EMC points out O2's Isle of Man and Monaco Telecom's networks remain the continents only live 3G roll outs but even these operate with limits. EMC notes GSM-centric vendors Nokia, Ericsson and Siemens/NEC account for around 80 per cent of European 3G equipment contracts.