Vodafone & Orange deal to boost 3G coverage

Vodafone and Orange plan to boost high-speed mobile internet access across the UK by merging their 3G networks, according to reports.

The two operators could announce a deal over the next few days that would provide their current and future 3G subscribers with broader access to the technology, and help them meet guidelines set by industry regulator Ofcom.

Orange’s 3G network is believed to be accessible to nearly 90 percent of the UK population, while Vodafone covers 80 percent. The partnership would boost both operators’ reach, and follows Ofcom’s demands that the UK’s top five mobile operators expand their 3G networks to cover at least 80 percent of the population by the end of 2007.

As well as extending the reach of 3G, the deal could allow Vodafone and Orange to cut costs, helping the roll-out of new services, such as mobile television. By TechWorld News

Orange and Vodafone in network link

Tens of millions of people could soon start getting mobile phone calls that do not break up half way through.

The enticing prospect is held out by a link-up announced yesterday between Vodafone and rivals Orange to merge their third generation (3G) mobile-phone networks.
Initially this, the first network-sharing deal of its kind by UK operators, will boost coverage for just over two million 3G customers.

However, the two companies are investigating if a similar merger would be technically possible for the older, 2G networks – used by almost 30 million others.

"If a technical solution can be found for 2G," said Nick Read, the chief executive of Vodafone, "that would allow us to infill gaps in our coverage in rural areas."

Mr Read said that the immediate benefit to customers of the network-sharing deal would be to boost the roll-out of internet-driven services to 3G customers.

Both Vodafone and Orange have already built extensive 3G networks but can still only boast coverage of about 80 per cent and 90 per cent respectively for services such as downloading music and videos to their phones.

"By sharing each others' networks, Orange and Vodafone can extend their service coverage into some areas where their coverage is currently poor," said John Delaney, of the technology research firm Ovum. "Although there are overlaps, linking their systems will boost coverage." (Source Telegraph)