The 4G rollout in the UK has progressed slowly, often mired in disputes over spectrum allocation and exclusivity periods that gave EE an early advantage. That exclusivity has now ended, and all major UK mobile networks have launched 4G services.
Three was the last major operator to offer 4G and continues to expand coverage gradually, with service still limited in some areas.
Today, Three and EE announced a strategic partnership and joint investment to share network infrastructure and accelerate the UK’s 4G deployment.
Under the agreement, the two operators will invest a combined £1 billion ($1.63 billion). This investment should benefit consumers, especially Three customers, who will gain access to EE’s established network infrastructure and experience.
The carriers will share masts and backhaul transmission resources, reducing duplication and lowering costs. Despite this sharing, each operator will maintain control over its own service performance: antennas, spectrum and core network functions will be operated independently by each company.
By pooling infrastructure, the deal aims to speed the UK’s progress toward broader LTE coverage after falling behind many European and global peers. Some regions are already seeing LTE-Advanced rollouts that deliver real-world download speeds of 100–300 Mbps, compared with 10–100 Mbps on standard LTE.
South Korea stands out for advanced network deployment and customer-focused service; Wonil Roh, head of the Advanced Communications Laboratory at Samsung Electronics, once remarked that if he called his carrier to complain about poor reception in his bathroom, they would likely install a repeater the next day.
In contrast, customers in many other markets seldom receive such prompt response unless it fits an operator’s schedule.
Three already shares elements of its network with Orange—part of EE’s previous partnership structure—allowing Three to use EE’s 2G infrastructure. Since beginning its 4G rollout in December, Three aims to reach 50 cities by the end of the year and achieve 98% population coverage by the end of 2015.
Where Three currently lacks 4G coverage but an EE mast exists, Three can install its own antennas more quickly and at lower cost, significantly accelerating its rollout plans.
What do you think of the 4G partnership between Three and EE?