Hutchison Whampoa Limited

News release

December 9 2004

London - 3, the UK's first video mobile network, today announced that it has 80% population coverage for video mobile services. 3 is the first network to reach this major regulatory milestone, three years before the requirement. 3 has the most extensive 3G network in the UK, with over 6,000 integrated radio sites, an increase of 1,000 from December 2003. The pace of 3's network rollout will continue during 2005 as it continues to extend its coverage across the UK.

In 2000, 3 acquired licence 'A' from the 3G spectrum auction the Government held. This licence was reserved for a new entrant and designed to bring competition to the UK mobile market. The regulatory requirement in the licences was to have 80% population coverage for 3G services by end 2007. Mike O'Brien MP, Minister of State for Energy and E-Commerce said; "The UK is setting the standard for successful 3G take up, and 3 is to be congratulated on this significant achievement so far ahead of time. The Government's key objective in creating a new entrant mobile operator was to increase competition for the benefit of the consumer. The entry of 3 as the new 3G network has proved the value of this objective."

Bob Fuller, CEO 3 UK said; "We are delighted that we have reached this major milestone three years early. As we build our network further, more of Britain will be able to experience what is fast-becoming a revolution in telephony. Coverage has been a key part of our strategy since launch and we intend to remain the market leader for 3G coverage."

Notes to Editors:

3 is the fastest growing mobile network in the UK and announced in August 2004 it had over 1.2 million customers on its network. The growing customer base demonstrates the robustness and reliability of its 3G network.

As well as 80% video mobile coverage, 3 has over 99% population coverage for voice and text services through a national roaming agreement.

About 3

Hutchison 3G UK Limited deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move.

3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy and Sweden. 3 also holds UMTS licences in Ireland, Israel and Norway.

For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk or call the 3 Media Office on 0207 010 9312.

Three facts about 3:

• 3 is the UK's first video mobile network, and the only network offering 3G services to all its customers.
• 3 is the UK's fastest growing mobile network. Over 1.2 million customers in the UK now have access to 3's range of 3G services, from video messaging and video calling to watching full-length music videos and goals from Barclays Premiership football.
• 3's network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 80% coverage for video services.

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