Three UK deploys new 4G technology to boost mobile internet speeds and improve reliability

• 4G spectrum bands aggregated to meet increasing mobile internet demand
• Over 2,700 sites upgraded across the UK, boosting average data speeds by up to 33%
• Live now in high-demand cities such as London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow

LONDON, UK – 01 November 2018 – Three UK has today announced that it has deployed new 4G technology to boost average mobile internet speeds by between 15% and 33%, targeting areas experiencing high growth in mobile internet demand.

Over 2,700 sites across high-demand cities such as London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow have been upgraded to enable ‘carrier aggregation’, combining Three’s 4G spectrum bands to release its full potential.

The technology responds to mobile internet use in real-time, activated during periods of high data demand. Around 50% of the devices on Three’s network support carrier aggregation technology and they will experience the most significant improvement in service, while also bringing benefits to all of Three’s 10 million customers by freeing up capacity across the entire network.

Consumers using certain devices will know they are using the new technology because they will see a 4G+ sign on their phone.

The average UK mobile subscriber could consume as much as 18GB of data per month by 2021, and Three UK’s customers currently consume 3.5 times more mobile data than the industry average.¹ The technology deployed is expected to significantly improve the mobile experience for customers, while also serving as a crucial building block for the development of Three’s 5G network.

Dave Dyson, Chief Executive at Three UK said: “Three customers are the highest consumers of data, with this trend expected to continue for several years. As we ready our network for 5G, we’re moving quickly to put the right technology in place to deliver the most reliable mobile experience for our customers. This latest innovation plays a critical role in ensuring our customers will be able to make the most of their mobile devices, both now and in the future.”

This follows an announcement in September where Three UK, O2 and SSE Enterprise Telecoms released details of a fibre agreement that will form the basis of enhanced fibre access in London, paving the way for further 4G and 5G deployment by connecting cell sites and masts through Thames Water’s waste water network.

¹ CCS Insight UK Mobile Operator Forecast