Mobile operator Vodafone is gearing up to takes its Mobile Broadband (3G) technology into a completely new realm by trialling HSPA+ (HSPA Evolution) with Ericsson, Huawei and Qualcomm.

Existing HSPA technology can deliver mobile broadband speeds of 'up to' 14.4Mbps, yet by using multiple antennae on both the base stations and handsets HSPA+ is theoretically capable of an astonishing 28.8Mbps! Leapfrogging over ADSL2+’s up to 24Mbps maximum.

Key to the trial will be whether or not Vodafone can deliver the higher rates through an upgrade of its existing network equipment. Failing to do so would likely increase the cost of deployment and make it less attractive.