The new Samsung Galaxy S3 will boast some of the fastest Internet speeds in the UK, Samsung has confirmed. The hotly anticipated Android powerhouse will connect to the Web via DC-HSPA, the next step up from current 3G speeds.
The S3 will let you surf the Net and stream music and video while you're out and about at up to 42Mbps, the speediest type of dual-channel HSPA currently available here in the UK. We learnt last week that O2 is the first network to make this fastest flavour of 3G available, with prospective S3 owners in major cities set to benefit.
We should point out that 42Mbps is a theoretical maximum. Actual speeds will depend on where you are and the strength of the signal.
Vodafone quietly launched DC-HSPA about a year ago -- also to major UK cities -- but at a theoretical maximum of 28.8Mbps, with no plans to upgrade to the faster version. Vodafone has bagged exclusive rights to the 32GB version of the Galaxy S3 for the first month after release.
Three told us it's planning to launch a 42Mbps DC-HSPA network this summer, while Everything Everywhere -- the company behind Orange and T-Mobile -- said it plans to do the same towards the end of the year.
DC-HSPA is a stepping stone on the way to the next generation of mobile data network, which the phone makers and networks are calling 4G -- although the use of the term 4G has already landed Apple in hot water. In the meantime, the new iPad and Nokia Lumia 900 are leading a new wave of phones and tablets that take advantage of DC-HSPA's improved speeds.
The S3 arrives in shops in just over a week. If you haven't got your order in yet and want to secure the best package for your money, let us help with our regularly updated Samsung Galaxy S3 price comparison guide.
Not only will it steer you towards the very best S3 deals from all the networks, you might be surprised to discover that buying the phone outright could be a better deal. And while you're here, you might as well hit play on the video below to see what all the fuss is about:
Are you excited about the S3? Would you switch networks to take advantage of DC-HSPA, or is 3G fast enough already? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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anonymous 21 May, 2012 10:38
Has this already been rolled out in London on o2? Mobile internet is a really important factor for me, if this is already available in London at at a significant speed increase then I will go for o2, but if not then I will probably opt for Vodafone.
anonymous 21 May, 2012 12:03
3 network have 97% coverage of the UK and are the best network for 3G speeds. Vodafone have a great 2G coverage but the 3 network have the best 3G speeds around. So iv opted for the 3 network £34 a month on the one plan for 24 month contract.
flyingacedude 21 May, 2012 12:32
I'm pretty confused. So this isn't going to be our version of 4G its just an unbetween thing capable of 42mbps? Our version of 4G will be LTE but not the same frequency as the US version and will be capable of 150 mbps but its still not true 4G because that has to be able to support 1gbps?!
flyingacedude 21 May, 2012 12:56
Three are good if you are not predudice and can cope with Indian call centers. Personally I find them helpful, easy to understand and very polite. Also their 2G coverage (provided by Orange) will go in favour of weak 3G signal in some areas which can be frustrating. On the plus side though, £34 for 2000 mins, unlimited data and texts with a 'free' Galaxy S3... You won't get a better deal than that.
billfred 21 May, 2012 14:12
Ok Three employees, calm the frigg down! Three doesn't have any of their own masts so once an area is close to capacity they are the first ones to be cut off or have their data throttled, so much of the time their data speeds are TERRIBLE!
samuelc 21 May, 2012 14:41
This is a deal breaker for me. I have gone ahead and ordered the S3 with o2 as I really want fast mobile internet. They had BETTER NOT let me down.
It's not a bad deal anyhow imo, if anyone is looking to buy too - £32 a month through buymobilephones.net with £30 quidco and £50 automatic cashback, which bring it down to around £29 per month overall.
300 minutes, unlimited texts and 500mb internet
anonymous 21 May, 2012 17:53
@billfred - you're wrong by saying Three has no masts or that the network is in some way cut off when things get busy. It has a sharing arrangement with Everything Everywhere (formerly with T-Mobile) but Three still maintains its own infrastructure - and so congestion for Orange or T-Mobile has no effect whatsoever on Three's capacity. And vice versa.
anonymous 21 May, 2012 18:41
Giffgaff customers are in for a treat. I can't wait for this phone to come out. I'm just going to get it sim free (£480), than get a giffgaff sim (£10 a month).
anonymous 21 May, 2012 19:40
When did this place become an advertising place for networks all this tripe about how fast it should be, in reality we all know we will be lucky to 1mbps. If I got a full 3G signal with the advertised download speeds I'd be more than happy. It's all a load off cobblers complete and utter bull oh and btw if some of you think £30ish a month with out unlimited data is good then you guys need to get out more. Give me a break arghhhhhh
anonymous 22 May, 2012 11:25
I want to know the proper price of samsung s3 in bangalore stores n i feel coool looking at dis newly invented samsung s3 is fascinating and amazing.