Britain's mobile operator Everything Everywhere plans to invest over 1.5 billion pounds to upgrade existing network technology and kick-off preparations for the rollout of 4G technology in the next three years.

The communications company that runs Orange and T-Mobile in UK is planning double digit growth in its 2012 network investment compared to 2011. Throughout 2012, Everything Everywhere will continue to integrate its two networks. The company is in the final stages of “the big switch on” – enabling Orange and T-Mobile customers to use 2G and 3G signals from either of the networks and benefit from fast data speeds in more places. 

Everything Everywhere is investing in improved equipment that provides wider, faster and more reliable coverage, and which can be easily upgraded to 4G once the appropriate spectrum becomes available. Everything Everywhere is also making significant investments in its mobile backhaul that connects individual cell sites.

Everything Everywhere has launched a live customer trial of 4G technology, in partnership with BT Wholesale in September. The trial has demonstrated that broadband can be cost-effectively delivered to rural areas over LTE, helping the government to connect the last 10% of the population who currently have no mobile or fixed broadband access. The trial has delivered satisfaction rates of over 90%.

“Everything Everywhere is committed to building a world-class 4G network for Britain.  We are devoting huge resources – including our 15,000 workforce and significant investments in technology – and already trialling, learning and laying the ground-work so that we are prepared to introduce 4G services as soon as it’s feasible,” said Fotis Karonis, Chief Technical Officer, Everything Everywhere.