Three unveils plans for major network upgrades
From September, Three will add low frequency spectrum to its existing network. This new spectrum will significantly enhance Three’s coverage footprint, particularly indoors, helping to wipe out current coverage blackspots.
At present, our 4G network purely runs data services and by the Autumn Three will also introduce new technology, known as Voice over LTE (or VoLTE), to enable voice services to run on 4G as well.
This means that Three’s customers will be able to make and receive calls in places they have never been able to before, whilst experiencing high quality calling and speedy voice set up.
Three will ensure that this network enhancement is extended to all of its customers with a view to 1million using VoLTE this year and 7.5million reaping the benefits by 2016.
Bryn Jones, Three’s Chief Technical Officer, said: “Our aim is to keep our customers connected wherever they are. Adding low frequency spectrum to our network and enabling voice calls over 4G and Wi-Fi, will mean Three customers can stay connected in more places than ever before.”
“With roaming at no extra cost also available in 18 destinations, Three is doing more than any other network to give our customers a reliable, quality experience wherever they are.”
Three has also announced that over 1 million customers have downloaded and activated the Three InTouch app benefitting from the ability to call and text over Wi-Fi.
Danny Dixon, Director of Customer Strategy, said: “The Three inTouch app has been highly successful with over 1million users to date. Seamless connectivity on mobile and WiFi is a key part of our future strategic direction and by using the app, our customers will never miss that important call or text, whether they’re in the home, commuting to work, or away on holiday.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Georgie Carter / Ali Lubbock
Three PR team
Tel 07447 597 298
Cow PR
three@cowpr.com
Tel: 0207 234 9150
Notes to editors
· Low frequency spectrum
Three aquired 2 x 5MHz of 800MHz spectrum during the 2012 4G auction.
The nature of low frequency spectrum, like 800MHz spectrum, means that it travels further than high frequency spectrum and is better able to penetrate walls and a building, meaning it provides a larger coverage footprint and better indoor coverage.
· Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
Three’s LTE – or 4G – services currently carry data and don’t support voice calling or texts. At the moment, to make a call, a Three customer will ‘fall back’ onto the 3G network to make a call, even if they are browsing or streaming using 4G.
Adding Voice over LTE technology to the network means that Three customers will be able to make calls over the 4G network.
This is particularly significant given the expanded 4G coverage footprint and enhanced indoor coverage following the rollout of Three’s low frequency 800MHz spectrum.
About Three
Three is a communications company that strives to make mobile better for UK consumers. Three carries 45% of the UK’s mobile data and its 3G network covers 98% of the UK population.
Three was the first UK network to introduce all you can eat data and offer 4G at no extra cost. It lets customers roam abroad with their domestic bundle for no extra charge in 18 destinations, including the recent additions of Spain and New Zealand.
Three was the first network to make 0800 calls free on its new contract handset plans in March 2014.
Three is rated the UK’s Most Reliable Network by YouGov. Trusted Review’s named Three its Best Mobile Network 2014. Three won six awards including Best Pay Monthly Mobile Network at the uSwitch Mobile Awards 2014.
Three employs over 4,400 people across its offices in Maidenhead, Glasgow and Reading and in its 347 retail stores.
For more information visit www.three.co.uk.
