Sun has inked a deal to write the Java specifications for the 3G version of Vodafone's Live! service. It's the third similar deal for Sun in a week, after Orange and T-Mobile agreed to allow Sun to OK Java specifications for their services. Often cited as the poster child for mobile data, the Live! service now has over 7 million users, according to Vodafone. The 3G version will be called Project Vodafone VFX.

Vodafone took its time to launch W-CDMA, effectively allowing Hutchison's 3 network to absorb the early pains of being first to market. Early introductions were dogged by issues of handset availability, roaming, handovers between 3G and 2G networks. But Vodafone's service went live for business subscribers in February and will be launched to consumers late in the year. ®

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