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RootMetrics ranks EE’s network top in the UK

RootMetrics has published its Mobile Network Performance Review for the second half of 2014, once again placing EE as the best in the UK. However with Three not far behind as second, followed by O2 and finally Vodafone, the testing specialist claimed all four operators are doing well.

Dixons Carphone to launch MVNO over 3’s network

Dixons Carphone has announced it is entering the UK mobile market this spring with an MVNO service, which will run on 3’s network. The new business will also offer internet connectivity to smart devices sold in the retailer’s stores.

Merger of O2 and 3 not an instant fix, say analysts

Following confirmation form both Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica the two indeed are in official talks over the sale of Telefónica’s O2 to 3’s owner Hutchison, industry analysts have been quick to offer their views on how this proposed bid would affect the UK mobile market if approved. It seems it is a thorny issue.

Telefonica logo office

Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica confirm O2 UK sale talks

Following an early leak of the news both Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica have confirmed that the two companies are in exclusive negotiations over the sale of UK operator O2, currently owned by Telefónica, to Hutchison, the owner of 3 UK.

3 UK offloads network traffic onto wifi

The UK’s smallest and most disruptive mobile operator, 3 UK, is embracing voice over wifi in an apparent effort to offload traffic from it’s cellular network. The company is launching an app, Three inTouch, which will allow customers to talk and text using a wifi connection.

3 Austria gets Android carrier billing

Hutchison Whampoa’s 3 group has successfully integrated Google Play direct carrier billing into the network of its Austrian subsidiary, 3 Austria. The company has already rolled out the system in Sweden, Ireland and Hong Kong, allowing apps and other digital goods such as books, music, games as well as the music streaming service Music All Access to be paid for via the mobile bill.

3UK to offer LTE without price premium

The UK arm of Hutchison’s 3 has announced that it will not price LTE services at a premium to its existing offers. 3UK is currently bidding for spectrum in the UK LTE auction and said in a statement on Monday that the technology will be added to its network “later this year”.

Austrian mobile mergers under scrutiny

Austria was a hotbed of activity towards the end of this week as the Austrian Federal Competition Authority applied for an in-depth assessment by the Cartel Court of Telekom Austria’s proposed acquisition of MVNO brand YESSS!

3 Austria goes live with LTE

Hutchison Whampoa’s Austrian 3G operation, 3 Austria, on Wednesday switched on its commercial LTE network in Vienna, with a plan to roll out to other major cities in coming months.

Regulator approves UK mobile spectrum trading

UK regulator Ofcom, has announced that, from June 20th, mobile operators are permitted to trade the rights to spectrum amongst themselves. The new regulation covers 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum and mean operators will be able to bid for the use of spectrum they believe the have greater need for than other operators.

Irish Government announces rural broadband & next-generation schemes

Irish Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has announced details of a rural broadband scheme for the country. The scheme is geared towards ensuring universal broadband access in Ireland before the end of 2012. According to the Minister, individual premises in rural areas that have been unable to obtain a broadband service will be able to avail of one on request.

Eircom and O2 announce Irish network share

The second and third-placed mobile operators in the Irish market, incumbent Eircom and Telefonica’s O2, have announced that they are to share networks in a deal that Eircom described as the first of its kind in Ireland. Eircom said that the deal will “result in an unrivalled mobile experience for customers” as the two carriers seek to meet growing demand for high bandwidth services.

3 UK tries to spark price war over iPhone 4

Trust the UK’s smallest mobile operator, 3 UK, to try to start a price war over the latest Apple device to hit the shelves. We say ‘try’ to start a price war because it’s become apparent that the UK has sold out of iPhone 4s, at least for now anyway.

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