Today I got a new phone on "three", after leaving Orange from whom I had been with for 5 years. Now, when I went to the manual network settings of my new phone I can search for networks, and it puts a "3G" symbol next to the 3G networks, it said:

3 -
3 - 3G
Orange -
Orange - 3G
Vodafone UK -
t-mobile -

Are orange already testing their 3G service then?? And also, why does Vodafone show up as 3G, I thought they had lauched a service??

Orange has had 3G on test for a while. They are expected to launch it in the summer. Vodafone only allow 3G data for the likes Internet Access at the moment, that might explain the 3G?! Full 3G services are expected in the Autumn. You should also be able to get T-Mobile 3G, which is also up and running if your in range of an operational base station. As for O2 they have been keeping quiet on the subject.