VodafoneThree, the newly merged mobile operator, has introduced a free upgrade it says will improve signal coverage for millions of Vodafone and Three customers.Though it is still unclear quite how the merger will fully affect customers of both companies, which for now continue to be run as separate network providers, VodafoneThree this month said it has upgraded 8,000 cellular sites across the UK to allow existing customers of Vodafone and Three to connect to 4G and 5G signals from both networks.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Read more: Vodafone and Three customers set to benefit from more free network upgrades Read more: EE gives half a million customers a free mobile network upgrade Subscribe to Tech Newsletter Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
You can unsubscribe at any time.Read our Privacy PolicyAndrea Dona, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree said this has improved mobile signal for more than 21 million customers across the country “at no extra cost, with many now enjoying 4G and 5G where it wasn’t previously available, and faster speeds overall.”Since merging in May, VodafoneThree has set about combining Vodafone and Three’s networks at a technological level.Labelled ‘Multi-Operator Core Network’ technology, the result is customers of Vodafone automatically connecting to Three’s network and vice versa, for free.The upgrades will benefit customers of Vodafone UK and Three UK as well as customers of virtual network operators VOXI, Talkmobile and Smarty, which run on the Vodafone and Three networks.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTVodafoneThree is embarking on an £11 billion investment programme that aims to reach “99 percent 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030”.5G Standalone networks provide 5G coverage with a dedicated 5G infrastructure, rather than older 5G technology that was built on top of older 4G networks.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTVodafone installs 'Wait for a Mate' stations UK operators are pushing for 5G Standalone as it can offer better reliability and speed for customers, while the networks can hold more capacity, easing strain as smartphone data usage continues to rise across the country.“I’m incredibly proud that we’ve reached another significant milestone in our mission to build the UK’s best network,” Dona said.
“The team have been working extremely hard to deliver this world-leading project, bringing the Vodafone and Three networks together to unlock significant benefits for customers across the UK.”This month EE also announced free upgrades for 5G+, which is its branding for 5G Standalone.The operator increased 5G+ coverage for customers by including access for free with more handset and SIM plans, where previously it was a paid add-on.Meanwhile, O2 recently announced 4G and 5G network upgrades along more than 600 miles of UK roads.Vodafone and Three merging has reduced the number of UK mobile network operators from four to three, with full regulatory approval despite worries that such a merger would stunt competition.VodafoneThree will have more customers than closest rival EE, which is owned by BT, or O2, which is itself part of merged entity Virgin Media O2.
