As expected, Vodafone today launched its 3G network. The network has been a massive investment by the company thus far–some estimates are as high as $129 billion. The activated markets are: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Vodafone aims to have 10 million third generation customers by March 2006, still a small percentage of Vodafone’s current 140 million customers.

Ten 3G phones are shipping from Vodafone as part of the launch:

• Motorola C980
• Motorola E1000
• Motorola V980
• NEC 802
• Nokia 6630
• Samsung Z107V
• Samsung Z110V
• Sharp 802
• Sharp 902 (first 2 megapixel camera phone in Europe)
• Sony Ericsson V800

Vodafone Live! has been updated with loads of 3G content–music, video and more. Pricing will vary depending on location, but will be competitive.