Three UK and EE Unshackle Mast Upgrades to Boost 5G Rollout
Mobile operators Three UK and EE (BT) have agreed to stop jointly upgrading sites through the Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) organisation, which runs their joint network sharing venture. The move is intended to help both move faster when deploying new ultrafast 5G based mobile broadband networks.
One of the biggest benefits of network sharing agreements like MBNL is that they help to cut costs through greater efficiency of infrastructure management and upgrades. But this isn’t always the case and having to design, as well as build, for both networks can, in some circumstances, actually increase costs and slow deployments. As network designs and approaches diverge with 5G, then this can grow to become a bigger obstacle.
As Three UK’s Technical Services Director, Patrick Binchy, told Mobile World Live, the operator will now be able to “do things faster” without having to get EE to “agree and accept what we’re doing, when we do it and how we do it“.
Advertisement
BT’s Chief Networks Officer, Greg McCall, has also welcomed the move and highlighted how their “deployment strategies have been different from each other” and they will now have “more autonomy and flexibility to roll out our infrastructure where we and our customers need it.”
As a result of all this, both operators will this month start performing all upgrades independently of each other. But MBNL will continue to maintain sites for both operators (focusing on the passive infrastructure and joint sites) and become more of an estate company, which is expected to continue for the long-term.
At the same time, it’s worth noting that Three UK and Vodafone are reportedly getting close to signing off on a £15bn merger agreement (here). One of several potential points of contention with this could be that they both have network sharing agreements with different rivals, although the latest change to MBNL might make that just a little bit easier to resolve.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
« April Fools – ISP BrawBand Launch New Digital Assistant, BrawBot
That sounds like a lovely explanation. But what do you think? Perhaps EE and 3 cutting ties in preparation for Vodafone buying 3?
Almost definitely. Mark did mention in the article that 3 and EE splitting up could indicate the imminence of the Voda3 merger, especially with Voda’s existing network agreements with other providers (O2, I assume?)
I’m on Three so I’m very excited for the merger. I know Three is frowned upon for bad coverage but it’s mostly okay for me and I get 5G in my most visited areas and around home. My dad is on Vodafone and gets good coverage but not much 5G, so this merger would hopefully fill the gaps in both 3 and VF’s network.
Nice try Mark. April’s Fool!
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/bt-3-uk-refocus-network-joint-venture/
Not an April Fools joke Phil.
This is real Phil.
Not sure if this is April Fools haha
I am in North Wales and the mobile coverage is absolutely derisory and unacceptable. The networks should be thoroughly ashamed. It is truly appalling to think they deem this OK.
However, I’m finding even in the remotest of North Wales areas most people seem to have Openreach FTTP (yes pure fibre) which is stunning so there is indeed hope for all.
FTTP is being delivered over poles and seems a marvellous job has been done so residents here have adapted around these disastrous mobile networks.
Perhaps all mobile plans in North Wales should come with a set of ladders to use the signal?
Not a April Fool’s joke as it was announced yesterday, this is a good move as it means that neither party needs to ask the other if it’s okay to install new infrastructure where their network needs it.
I’m sure that if the taxpayer started subsidising mobile masts in the same way they are subsidising rural FTTP it would quickly become a different story. As it is the masts are entirely a commercial deployment for now.
It would seem true where I am.
When MBNL built in front of our house and around town, it has been 3 only for most sites including only 3 being mentioned on the paperwork through letterboxes from MBNL.
3 has been upgrading and expanding their already better coverage, while EE seems to be rationing their mast coverage and their signal coverage seems worse in practice.
The only EE only mast moved off the fire station and was replaced in front of fire station with an EE only semi temporary site, even though there is an upgraded 3/EE mast at the end of same road.
Yesterday’s new mast in a neighbouring town noticed was H3G only and no mention of involvement of MBNL this time.
I’m happy with three with them for 33year
I’m happy with three with them for 33year
That’s awesome Helen – considering they have only just hit their 20th Birthday! Three was launched on the 3rd of March 2003 so 03/03/03…. Back on the puff for you
Pretty much been with 3 from their start and/or networks that use them.
Happy with their coverage, speeds and features.
Not been happy with the others, each time I have been with them.
Was happy when 3 looked to take over O2.
Not happy, not got much faith if Vodafone does take over 3.
That quote below seems to suggest that EE might have been stopping Three from upgrading sites? Of course it’s also possible Three stopped EE too but it’s a curious thing to say.
“The operator will now be able to do things faster without having to get EE to agree and accept what we’re doing, when we do it and how we do it.”
Basically, they had to notify each other when they wanted to do maintenance & arrange days.
Also when preparing sites, building masts, they had to do it for two operators.
Splitting means three with just having to build for one 3G, 4G & 5G network & leaves EE to build & maintain for just their 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G networks.
Three’s 4G coverage around South Wales is excellent. They’re doing well with 5G coverage & they are definitely pushing the fast speeds. Vodafone’s 4G coverage is good but 5G is more patchy. [Vodafone is my mobile number 2]
Whilst it’s a blow to infrastructure sharing, it will benefit both Three & EE to have more control & faster builds & maintenance. We all benefit from that!
If Three & Voda merge, Three will have to deal with Voda’s immense debt they are in.
I don’t want to see the merger myself but Three have mentioned that current structure on building networks is not sustainable. [In other press releases]
I hope this means all those poles that have gone up like months/ a year or so ago, will now go live. Also I hope the ones that have had planning permission accepted like months/ a year or so ago, actually get built.
The Three Vodafone merger would bring an end to 3UK, it’s happened in other countries where the 2 have merged
R.I.P Three
Sorry, a bit off topic. I saw foundations being laid the other day for a pole of wonder. However no pole as of yet. Anyone here know how long it takes for a pole to be placed ? like an average ? minimum to maximum time? thanks