3G rolls out without phones
Two more mobile phone operators launched third-generation (3G)services on Tuesday - but only for customers who had already ordered handsets.
Anyone going into a CSL or SmarTone shop hoping to sign up on the first day of service was asked to put down a deposit on handsets - for delivery after Christmas.
It wasn't just the unavailability of the phones. Mobile phone users at outlets of the two carriers, and of Hutchison's 3, in Central said the 3G handsets they offered were still expensive and their multimedia content not attractive enough.
CSL is offering the latest Nokia model, the 6630, while competitor Hutchison's long-established 3 has the Motorola E100. SmarTone is selling both models. But none had any phones in stock yesterday.
Office worker Rebecca Wong Ngan-yuk, a subscriber of CSL One2Free's 2G service, said she still could not get used to the idea of 3G.
'I prefer sitting in front of my laptop computer to access information,' she said. 'To me, a mobile phone is a device to send out information via voice instead of visuals. Plus 3G phones are still very bulky.'
Ms Wong also thought the phones too pricey. The Nokia 6630 sells for over $4,600 and the Motorola E100 costs more than $5,600. She thought $2,500 an appropriate price for handsets.
Raymond Ho Lai-man, a businessman who spends most of his time on the mainland, was browsing in a SmarTone store. He was not considering subscribing, having been a customer of Hutchison's 3 for only two months.
'The Motorola phone is better looking but the new phones are too expensive anyway,' he said. Mr Ho is using an LG phone he bought for just over $1,000.
A finance industry professional browsing in a CLS shop was interested in 3G phones and services but will not subscribe yet. He was only prepared to pay $1,000 for a phone.
Yesterday's service roll-outs leave Sunday Communications - the city's smallest mobile operator by subscriber numbers - as the only 3G licensee yet to launch services. Its will debut in spring.
An investment bank analyst said Sunday's entry to the market could see irrational pricing as the companies competed for subscribers.
