"There are teething problems with 3G phones and coverage, so we
recommend sticking with a 2G phone for the time being," said
Malcolm Coles, editor of Which? Magazine. "We'll be keeping an eye
on 3G phones over the coming months to see if they, and the
networks, live up to their hype."
Which? also criticised the phones, which have colour screens,
video and picture messaging or internet browsers, for the bulkiness
of the handsets.
The announcement has angered 3G providers who were hoping that a
Christmas rush would help recover some of the £22.5 billion they
spent on 3G licences.
Speaking to the BBC, Edward Brewster, head of external relations
at 3 Mobile, said that Which? was displaying a "lack of
understanding" of the 3G market. He says 80% of people in Britain
can access 3 Mobile's video services, while 99% can access its
voice services.
