Hutchison 3G is getting the UK distribution ball rolling before launch, bagging major retailer phones 4 U as a supplier for its 3 mobile network. Last week Hutch signed up Carphone Warehouse.

The UK's first 3G network to launch is also reaching out to independent retailers, through specialist disties Hugh Symons and Avenir Telecom, which will appoint and supply "approved stockists".

According to Hutchison 3G, the distie-signings will "ensure that independent stockists are able to play a part in bringing the excitement of 3 to mass-market consumers". However, the indicative price plans unveiled this week range from £60 to £100 per month. This is very much early adopter, rather than mass-market territory. ®

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