High street stores and customer blogs have been venting their frustration over the lack of Wi-Fi on the BlackBerry Storm, but Vodafone’s official answer to the criticism is that its 3G network is quick enough without Wi-Fi backup.

However, that’s not washing with the Great British public, who are universaly decrying it as a way for Vodafone to force customers to go online and download music through its 3G network.

A Vodafone spokesman told Mobile Today, “There are no current plans to include Wi-Fi on the BlackBerry Storm. We believe that the BlackBerry Storm offers a complete package for consumers and businesses and we see it as exploiting Vodafone’s high-quality, high-speed mobile broadband network.”

Vodafone customer services said: ‘[With the Storm] we’re looking at streamlining people toward the unlimited Vodafone internet package.’

The Storm has received a generally very positive welcome, there are some great features as well as a few things you can’t do, compared to the Android G1 or iPhone. Some users commenting on our own stories have complained that 3G coverage is sometimes too slow, and it is often more convenient to use Wi-Fi. It also remains to be seen how consumers will react when they take the Storm overseas, clocking up roaming charges with no alternative.

Out today | Free from £35 per month | Vodafone (via Mobile Today)