I no longer paid a full extra phone bill every month to keep it connected to 3G.
Meanwhile, many operators have already launched so-called "2.5G" networks—upgraded 2G networks that offer some of the benefits of 3G (in particular, an "always on" data connection) but cost a lot less.
"Is there even Wi-Fi on the beach?" I ask, trying to get my head around this. "3G," he says.
When Hallam's 3G phone was eventually examined by the CCRC and Thames Valley police – which carried out inquiries for the CCRC – it was found to contain pictures that put Hallam in a pub with his father on the evening of the killing and also showed that he had been with Harrington the day after – thereby giving credence to his original alibi.
She asked why neither the police nor his legal team had examined his two mobile phones "One reason proffered for the failure to examine the phones was that in 2004 the Metropolitan police did not have the technology in use for 3G phones," she said.
The stadium's artificial 3G surface was passed fit for use by Uefa only last Wednesday after original tests showed the ball was rolling too fast on the pitch.
The new wave of apps is capitalising on the fact that in 2015 there are many more smartphones in people's hands; better 3G and 4G networks to deliver the video that these apps produce; and mobile data contracts that ensure it's not ruinously expensive to broadcast and/or watch.
Users with 3G and 4G connections report better connections online, when they use Skype, for example, but "internet speed in Iran is still not in a good place", the minister said earlier this year.
Expensive though the 3G licences may seem, their buyers will now need to build networks to run the new services.
Spain's Telefonica plans to list its mobile-telephone arm.Even if telecoms companies manage to sell some assets, this will only partially offset their 3G costs.
They will generate no revenues at all from 3G until 2002 at the earliest.
