Three UK and EE Pick Ericsson to Manage their 3G and 4G Mobile Networks

Mobile operators Three UK and EE have once again chosen Ericsson to manage the continued operation and maintenance of their joint 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE) based radio access (Mobile Broadband) network in the United Kingdom for at least the next 5 years.

Both operators have a long-running 50/50 network sharing deal through the umbrella organisation called Mobile-Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), which Ericsson has helped to manage for the past four years. Clearly MBNL was happy enough to continue the deal.

Graham Payne, Managing Director of MBNL, said:

“Since the formation of MBNL in 2007 we have achieved a great deal by consolidating a complex network infrastructure to deliver the best network at lowest cost. Ericsson will deliver a further enhancement to the service levels we achieve, and drive continuous service improvement and innovation to further extend our lead in positive customer experience“.

As a reminder EE has already launched its new superfast 4G network via the 1800MHz band, while Three UK won’t get access to that same band until September 2013 (here). EE and Three UK also picked up several slices of the 800MHz and 2.6GHz band at the recent 4G auction (Three UK only grabbed 800MHz but not 2.6GHz).

However Three UK recently confirmed that its own 4G service wouldn’t launch until Q4-2013 (here) but when they do its services will aim to undercut EE by offering 4G at no extra cost (here).