Vodafone Australia have just announced the final stages of its much anticipated $500 million high speed 3G network upgrade for major regional centres.

The upgrade expands 3G services to Vodafone customers in areas including Albury-Wodonga, Ballarat, Ballina, Bunbury, Byron Bay, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Kiama, Lismore, Mackay, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wollongong, Bowral, Nowra and Wagga Wagga.

This is great news for those living in the city of Hobart who have previously been without any 3G service on Vodafone.

The upgrade comes 1 year late after Vodafone chief executive Russell Hewitt said the project was its “number one priority for 2008″ in late December of 2007.

Customers in all other existing Vodafone 2G coverage areas throughout Australia are planned to experience Vodafone 3G services by the 31st of August.

Once the upgrade is complete 3G coverage is expected to reach 94 per cent of the Australian population.

Andy Reeves, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Australia said:

“Vodafone’s national network upgrade will generate greater competition in the telecommunication market and provide greater choice for more Australian customers.

“It’s great news for Vodafone customers, and we will continue to invest in the network to provide high quality service when and where it’s needed most.