According to senior executives, Meteor's 3G service has been switched on in Dublin and Cork, with a formal launch due within the next few weeks. However, country-wide roll-out -- a la Vodafone, O2 and 3 -- is not on the agenda for the operator. Instead, it will target large cities first and then large towns.
Given that its statutory obligation is only 53 per cent population coverage by September 2009, it is well within its legal duties. However, for years Meteor's greatest problem was a perception that it lacked nationwide coverage. With such a limited 3G roll-out, it may find similar points being raised again, especially since it is to begin selling 3G mobile broadband connections for computers.
Update (Thursday, 9.30am): Maybe I didn't give the full story above. "We will begin with Dublin Cork followed closely by the major cities and towns," clarified a Meteor spokesman. "However also in our plans is to extend our coverage countrywide. When we say Dublin and Cork, we have taken into account the commuter belt (for instance Naas and towns like Drogheda have 3G coverage now)."
It's one thing to have limited 3G connectivity on your mobile - the basic functions of the device are still there even if you're outside of 3G range.
Having such limited coverage for the 3G broadband modem will be very damaging, however, as it completely removes the appeal to commuters and people studying outside of Dublin.
Given the success the company has had in attracting young people with its free calls/text offers, it could well be a missed opportunity.
Posted by: Adam | February 04, 2009 at 07:53 PM
You have to ask yourself what is eircom's vested interest in leased lines out side cork and dublin and would 3g start eatting into this greatly
Posted by: Tom O'Connor | February 16, 2009 at 01:25 PM