Teething problems bring growing pains for industry's new baby After the flurry of high profile auctions of third generation spectrum across Europe in 2000, 3G is about to hit the headlines once again. 3G services are already a reality for some users in Japan and Korea and later this year 3G networks will start being switched on by operators in Europe. | Read 3G infrastructure costs Sharing of sites eases the burden New technologies also allow mobile operators to use the same antennae a move welcomed by environmentalists as it reduces the visual pollution caused by large numbers of masts. South Korea World's digital laboratory Compared to Europe, South Koreans are far more advanced in using data services and their handsets are already more sophisticated than those in other countries. Telecoms in sport World Cup network all set to break records Linking 20 stadiums, a voice and data network will support the championship that may be viewed by a cumulative audience of more than 33bn people. Global sports events Golden rule in IT is: be prepared for anything Although IT team plans for almost any mishap at global sporting events, sudden technical suprises are guaranteed.