MEDIA RELEASE

(15 December 2004) - Hutchison Whampoa Limited ("HWL") has announced today an updated current customer figure for its 3 Group businesses globally of 5.9 million, an 81% increase on the customer figure of 3.2 million announced with the Group's interim results on 19 August 2004. November gross customer additions were over 948,000 and for the first 14 days of December were over 496,000. These figures include 3's operations in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Sweden and the UK.

HWL Group Managing Director Mr Canning Fok said, "The sales momentum across the businesses in the 3 Group represents the fastest rate of growth ever achieved by a new operator and we are therefore extremely pleased with the progress of these businesses."

"With the launch of new handset models in November, unconstrained handset supply and an industry leading range of high-quality content services delivered over stable, high speed networks, we are looking forward to continued strong sales in the run up to Christmas. I am today more confident and optimistic than ever about the prospects for our 3 businesses worldwide," Mr Fok continued.

Selected key business indicators for the combined 3 Group businesses are as follows:

About Hutchison 3G

Hutchison 3G (H3G) is a division of the Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa. H3G is the leading global player in the 3G arena, holding licences in ten markets with total population coverage of approx. 175 million. These include Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

In less than three years, H3G has built an entirely new network, achieving probably the world's fastest rollout of a radio network in the entire telecom industry. Marketed globally under the 3 brand, H3G is the first operator in the world to provide dual-mode 3G services. To date, 3 services have commenced in Italy, the UK, Australia, Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Hong Kong. Partner Communications in Israel, has recently launched 3G commercial services in December 2004.

For further information, please contact:

Hutchison Whampoa Ltd

Laura Cheung
Tel: (852) 2128 1289
Fax: (852) 2128 1766
Email: laurac@hwl.com.hk

Nora Yong
Tel: (852) 2128 1343
Email:noray@hwl.com.hk