2nd Feb 2015 10:39
LONDON (Alliance News) - UK telecoms regulator Ofcom said Monday that it has amended the licences of the UK's four mobile network operators, committing them to provide voice coverage across 90% of the UK by the end of 2017.
As a result of this, Ofcom will shortly launch a further consultation on the annual licence fees for the 900 megahertz and 1800 megahertz spectrum bands.
The licence variations follow a agreement reached between the Government and the operators last December to increase their mobile coverage.
EE Ltd, Telefónica UK or O2 UK, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd's Three, and Vodafone Group PLC all currently meet their 3G mobile coverage obligation to reach 90% of UK premises, according to the regulator and EE, Three and Vodafone have also indicated they plan by the end of this year to meet the 98% coverage obligation for 4G mobile that the regulator set when granting O2 its 4G licence.
The regulator said that separately it is working with the UK government on a GBP150 million mobile infrastructure project to fund mobile phone masts in uncovered areas.
The UK government said that the amended licence conditions will also bring GBP5 billion in investment by the mobile networks to improve mobile infrastructure by 2017.
"We are delighted that this agreement has been completed, ensuring that once rolled out, our customers will be able to stay connected in even more places up and down the country," said EE Chief Executive Officer Olaf Swantee in a statement.
"?A partnership between government and the mobile operators is required to maximise coverage across the UK, so this agreement is a good outcome for our customers. It will support investment in our network, while ensuring that strong competition remains between the different networks," said Chief Operating Officer of 02 Derek McManus in a statement.
"This agreement reflects the strength of our network today, our plans for the future and our commitment to bring its benefits to more people and more places than ever before," Chief Executive of Three Dave Dyson said in a statement.
"We now expect the government to reform and modernise the Electronic Communications Code to ensure it better supports our ability to invest, build, upgrade and maintain our fixed and mobile network," said a spokesperson for Vodafone in a statement.
Shares in Vodafone are trading down 0.7% at 232.85 pence Monday morning.
By Hana Stewart-Smith; hanassmith@alliancenews.com; @HanaSSAllNews
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