3 doubles handset range

Video mobile operator 3 today doubled its handset range with the introduction of six new models ahead of the Christmas trading period.

The latest arrivals, which bring the firm's handset portfolio to 12, include devices from Motorola, NEC and LG.

Motorola has delivered three models: the A1000 with Symbian OS and integrated 1.2 megapixel camera; the E1000 with 1.2 megapixel camera, built-in MP3 player and Bluetooth; and the C975 which will be available on ThreePay, 3's pay-as-you-go service.

NEC introduced what it claims is the smallest and lightest 3G video mobile to go on sale in Europe, the slimline NEC e338.

This follows on from the launch in October of the NEC e616V and brings the total number of NEC models available on 3's price plans to four.

LG added two models to its range, the U8130 and U8138, which are enhanced versions of the two top-selling LG handsets released this summer.

Bob Fuller, 3 UK chief executive, said: "We are doubling our portfolio and offering customers an enhanced choice of video mobiles in the run up to Christmas."

All the models support the full range of 3's video mobile services and will be on sale across the UK from November.