UK handset retailer Phones 4U is set to become mobile operator EE’s 25th MVNO partner in March.
Called LIFE Mobile, the new MVNO aims to provide a broad package of tariffs and will use what is currently the only 4G network in the UK later in the…
UK handset retailer Phones 4U is set to become mobile operator EE’s 25th MVNO partner in March.
Called LIFE Mobile, the new MVNO aims to provide a broad package of tariffs and will use what is currently the only 4G network in the UK later in the year.
EE, the combination of France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom’s UK assets, already has more MVNOs than any other operator in the country. Other MVNOs on its network include Virgin mobile, China Telecom (Europe) and IKEA Family Mobile.
Marc Overton, EE’s VP of wholesale and M2M, said: “By choosing the EE network, Phones 4u will guarantee its customers access to the UK’s widest 3G coverage, as well as the UK’s only 4G network later in 2013. Our ambition is to provide 4G to key industry players by the end of 2013, and we feel this will open up a world of opportunities for both new and existing partners alike.”
EE became the first UK mobile operator to launch 4G services last year in cities such as London and Manchester. The company is currently bidding for additional 4G frequencies in competition with rival mobile operators Vodafone, Telefonica UK and 3 UK. The auction is also joined by British fixed line incumbent BT, local managed services provider MLL Telecom and Hong Kong conglomerate PCCW.
Regulator Ofcom expects to award new 4G licences in March 2013, ready for commercial deployment in May and June.
