4G is the hot topic in the UK this year. Bids are being placed for the required spectrum and everyone is looking out for the best deal possible. EE have had a head-start and they’ve launched 4G services already. However, with totally different price-plans which are pricier than “normal” plans, some have decided to stay on 3G.
Today we can reveal a few details about 4G pricing from Three, and it is a very bold move to say the least. However, it’s one that will win them MASSIVE kudos with heavy data users – perhaps many normal users too. Three has long been the network of choice when it comes to data services, all thanks to their “All You Can Eat” plans and upgraded DC-HSDPA network. When we tested this recently and we managed to reach an unbelievable 30Mbps based on this enhanced 3G technology.
So the news from Three today is that the company will charge NO extra for 4G services, there will be no new plans and no extra charges to get this new technology. All you need is to be in a 4G area using one of their 4G devices. There are a few that are on sale and more going on sale throughout the year.
Yes, this does mean anyone on The One Plan will this year get “All You Can Eat” data INCLUDING tethering at 4G LTE speeds!
Three UK chief executive Dave Dyson took a sligtht swipe at the existing EE offerings…
As we add the next wave of technology to our Ultrafast network, we’ve listened to our customers and thought long and hard about the right way to do it. We don’t want to limit Ultrafast services to a select few based on a premium price and we’ve decided our customers will get this service as standard. With Three, it’s simple, great value and Ultrafast. What you might expect from the network that was built for the internet.”
The press release states that 55% of the UK can already get DC-HSDPA signal and 80% will be hit by next month (March). They also state that the 1800Mhz acquired from EE last year will be incorporated into the network for 4G services later this year.
Here is the full information from Three, including some information on handsets that are LTE ready. For more information check out the official Three site information..
Three to offer latest technology as standard with no price premium.
Three UK today made a public commitment to offer Ultrafast services as a standard feature on all its smartphone price plans. LTE, otherwise known as 4G, will be added to Three’s Ultrafast network later this year. Unlike some other UK mobile operators, it will be available across all existing and new price plans without customers needing to pay a premium fee to ‘upgrade’.
Three’s Ultrafast network, currently supported by DC-HSDPA technology, already covers 55% of the UK population with an initial focus on 50 towns and cities. It will reach 80% population coverage by the end of March and in the second half of this year it will incorporate 1800Mhz spectrum already acquired by Three to add even more coverage and capacity.
Any customer with an Ultrafast ready device can already enjoy great speeds on Three’s Ultrafast network without paying a premium or needing to swap SIM cards or price plans. LTE will be available as standard with all customers’ price plans when the roll-out begins later this year.
“Our customers choose Three because they love the internet and know they can get great speeds and great value on our award-winning network,” said Three UK chief executive Dave Dyson.
“As we add the next wave of technology to our Ultrafast network, we’ve listened to our customers and thought long and hard about the right way to do it. We don’t want to limit Ultrafast services to a select few based on a premium price and we’ve decided our customers will get this service as standard. With Three, it’s simple, great value and Ultrafast. What you might expect from the network that was built for the internet.”
Customers with Ultrafast ready devices, including the Apple iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia 920, Sony Xperia Z, Apple iPad mini and Apple iPad with Retina display, can already enjoy Three’s Ultrafast network and will also be able to use the 1800Mhz spectrum when it is added later this year. Device choice is growing rapidly with new Ultrafast ready LTE versions of the Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II being launched on Three within the next month, and the BlackBerry Z10 launching mid-February.
About Dan Carter
My name is Dan, I am 30yrs old and from Torquay,Devon and have been into phone tech for over 10 years either running sites or taking part in helping others. I was also the official Sony Ericsson blogger for MWC one year.
I am currently using a Nexus 4, Lumia 920 and Xperia T. My main area of expertise on the site is network news and future technologies such as DC-HSDPA and LTE
You can contact me on twitter @mobilemandan or via [email protected]
