Mobile phone firm Digifone will introduce a high-speed data service from January. The service, based on GPRS (general packet radio service) technology, will deliver data at speeds up to three times faster than those currently available.

Customers will no longer have to reconnect to the network every time they want to access a service because the technology offers an "always on" connection.

The faster technology is expected to encourage the popularity of a new range of mobile devices based around the concept of personal digital assistants rather than phones. Eircell Vodafone will also introduce a high-speed service in January.