3 - the video mobile network operator wholly owned by Hutchison Whampoa Group - has switched on its video mobile network in Ireland. The mobile operator claims that while its video network is available to six in ten of the country's population, its standard voice and text service can be accessed by almost everyone.

Price plans start at €25 a month for voice and text services.

Said 3 chief exec Bob Fuller: "3 was Europe's first video mobile network and we're the largest 3G network in Europe. Our VideoTalk price plans offer a package of voice, content and video services at an unrivalled and sustainable price.

"3 has upset the status quo in every market where it has launched in Europe and we will do the same in Ireland by challenging the old networks and bringing great value and new levels of service to customers."

Yesterday, Eircom, the former Irish telco monopoly re-entered the lucrative Irish mobile market after coughing up €420m for Ireland's third mobile operator Meteor. The mobile sector in Ireland is dominated by Vodafone and O2, which account for nine in ten users. Eircom sold its previous mobile network, Eircell, to Vodafone in 2001. ®

Related stories

Eircom to buy Meteor for 420m
Bubbly O2 reduces churn
Flaws in BT chat sites expose users
Irish distie claims top spot
Eircom launches sometimes-on broadband