Vodafone and Three have unveiled ambitious plans to significantly expand their UK broadband operations following their recently merged £16.5 billion entity. The combined company, now operating as VodafoneThree, aims to double its broadband business, integrating their networks and introducing new services to enhance connectivity across the nation.
VodafoneThree: A new era for UK connectivity
VodafoneThree has confirmed that the Vodafone and Three networks will be integrated over time into a single network, to be known as The Nation’s Network. This strategic move is set to revolutionise the UK’s digital infrastructure, addressing long-standing issues of connectivity and speed.
Key takeaways
- Vodafone will become the sole brand for business customers, with Three Business customers migrating to Vodafone.
- The combined entity will operate a multi-brand mobile strategy for consumers, retaining Vodafone, Three, Voxi, Smarty, and Talkmobile.
- Within 12 months, Three’s fixed wireless access product will merge with Vodafone’s full fibre offering under the Vodafone brand.
Addressing the UK’s connectivity gap
Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree, highlighted the urgent need for improved connectivity in the UK. He noted that despite quick launches of mobile technologies, their rollout across the country has lagged. The UK currently ranks last in the G7 for mobile data speeds and 22nd out of 25 European countries for 5G availability. Taylor emphasised that VodafoneThree’s mission is to build the digital infrastructure necessary to fuel the country’s growth ambitions and bridge the digital divide.
Immediate and future commitments
VodafoneThree has outlined four key commitments for its first year:
- 4G Boost: Within two weeks, 7 million Three and Smarty customers will experience a 4G boost through shared spectrum.
- Network Roaming: Within a few months, 27 million Vodafone and Three mobile customers will gain access to roam on each other’s networks at no extra cost, automatically connecting to the best available coverage. This is estimated to eliminate 16,500 sq/km of ‘not spots’ by year-end.
- Satellite Mobile Network Trials: VodafoneThree will launch beta trials for a satellite mobile network via Vodafone’s partnership with AST Space Mobile.
- Free eSIM Trials: Customers of other providers across the UK will be able to try VodafoneThree’s network with a seven-day, free eSIM trial, already launched in London and extended to Liverpool, Sheffield, and Belfast.
These initiatives underscore VodafoneThree’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and driving digital transformation across the UK.
Sources
- VodafoneThree shares The Nation’s Network ambition, Comms Business.
- Subscribe to read, Financial Times.
