Mobile network operator Three, which is based in the U.K., will soon begin offering voice-over-LTE (News - Alert) service to its customers. Until now, the company offered 4G service but only was able to send data between customers; come this September, it will add support for high-definition voice and will extend its coverage map in the process.
A report on the issue at Telecoms.com (News - Alert) notes that the goal of rolling out the VoLTE service in September is a lofty but achievable one. The report quoted the words of Bryn Jones, the chief technical officer at Three, who commented on both the expansion of service and the company's addition of a low frequency (800 MHz) spectrum which will also help with coverage black spots.
“Our aim is to keep our customers connected wherever they are,” Jones said. “Adding low frequency spectrum to our network and enabling voice calls over 4G and Wi-Fi will mean Three customers can stay connected in more places than ever before.”
Three also took the time to mention its InTouch app, which allows users to make calls on mobile networks and Wi-Fi. It sports about one million Three customers and could continue to be an important tool in the introduction of VoLTE.
It took a report at Digital Spy, however, to present greater detail about the recent acquisition Three made when its parent company, Hutchison Whampoa, purchased the O2 telecom from Telefonica (News - Alert) for £10.25 billion. Although the purchase is subject to regulatory approval which could take up to a year to finalize, this effectively reduces the major players in the U.K. mobile game from four to three and will give Hutchison Whampoa 41 percent of the mobile phone network in the nation.
That said, Three will be riding high with the addition of the 800 MHz spectrum and VoLTE coverage. It will have a solid standing over the next biggest competitor in the market, EE, and will reportedly have a chance at holding the biggest portion of the 4G spectrum.
All in all, Three's aim to keep its customers connected should be easier than ever with its new-found power in the addition of O2 (News - Alert). If it makes good on its promise to expand the reach of its mobile network and deliver quality voice service through 4G, the future of the company could be bright as there may be no other telecom to present a real challenge.