Existing 3 (UTMS) and 3.5G (HSDPA) mobile phone technology can push broadband downloading up to a theoretical peak of nearly 14Mbps, although most practical packages are currently only able to offer 1.2 to 1.4Mbps.

Unfortunately this does not apply to uploading, which has typically been constrained to just 384Kbps. Thankfully this is all about to change after Vodafone, T-Mobile and 3 signed up for HSUPA.

Though HSUPA will not delivery any significant download increases, it's minimum uploading spec is at least twice that of HSDPA's, extending to ten times as a theoretical maximum.

It's expected that HSUPA will be ready to roll before the end of this year, although it's unclear whether or not existing HSDPA hardware will be compatible without requiring new kit.