Everything Everywhere, the joint venture that operates the networks for T-Mobile (UK) and Orange (UK), outlined plans to invest more than £1.5bn+ over the next three years to upgrade its infrastructure and set the stage for LTE. Capex will see double digit growth in 2012 network investment compared to 2011.
The plans will bring tighter integration of the T-Mobile and Orange mobile networks. Everything Everywhere said it is in the final stages of “the big switch on�?. In the next few week, Orange and T-Mobile customers will be able to use 2G and 3G signals from either of the networks and benefit from fast data speeds in more places.
In the first half of 2012, Everything Everywhere will further improve the cross-network signal sharing by enabling Orange and T-Mobile customers’ devices to automatically select the stronger signal from either network if their own signal is weak.
Cell sites are being streamlined. New equipment will significantly improve power efficiency and reduce the network’s carbon footprint.
Everything Everywhere is also making significant investments in its mobile backhaul.
Plans to implement LTE will proceed once the spectrum becomes available.http://everythingeverywhere.comLast week, Everything Everywhere, the joint venture that operates the networks for T-Mobile (UK) and Orange (UK), announced new bank financing facilities of £875 million, comprising a term loan and a multicurrency revolving credit facility with maturities of between 3 and 5 years.
