O2 is on the verge of flicking the switch on its latest super-fast mobile service. The Isle of Man will see the first commercial launch of an HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) network service in Europe when it goes live on November 1, say those behind the scheme.

Once up and running, customers will be able to use their mobile phones to watch DVD-quality streaming video and download whopping great big files including music tracks. Oh, and they'll be able to make phone call too.

Said Chris Hall, MD of O2 subsidiary Manx Telecom: "[Our] vision is to provide services that enrich people's lives - wherever they are and whenever they want them.

"Our advanced network on the Isle of Man serves as a showcase of the tremendous opportunity offered by the latest technology to our customers." ®