Hutchison 3G opens UK stores

Hutchison 3G UK, the mobile phone venture controlled by Hutchison Whampoa tycoon, Li Ka-shing, one of the world's wealthiest men, has opened its first three UK stores.

The openings came ahead of the marketing launch of Hutchison's 3G technology on Monday.

The three flagship 3 stores are on London's Oxford Street, Kensington High Street and at Birmingham's Mailbox. They opened last weekend. However, customers cannot buy 3G phones until the end of March.

Retailers including Dixons, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U will sell Hutchison's new generation phones and services. There will also be 3 shop-in-shops in selected Superdrug stores. Superdrug is also owned by Hutchison Whampoa.