Greek mobile operator Cosmote says its 3G network and services will be ready in time for the Olympics. This will be the first launch of video streaming into the local market, and Cosmote has deals with several content providers including Antenna TV and Databank.

Cosmote's 3G network currently covers 30 per cent of the population, including Athens and Thessaloniki. The operator says it is giving priority to areas with Olympic venues in its continuing roll out, including Patra (capital of the Peloponnesos), Volos (situated at the foot of Mt. Pelion), and Heraklion on the island of Crete.

There are just two fully compatible handsets: the Nokia 7600, which supports video streaming, and the SonyEricsson Z1010 with both video streaming and video calling. Cosmotes says that the new Universal SIM card will allow phones to switch between the 3G and 2G networks without interruptions to calls. ®

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