Vodafone hints at rollout of refarmed 3G network

Vodafone has hinted it could rollout a new 3G network on its 900MHz spectrum holding in the wake of O2's announcement on Friday that it has switched on a network of this frequency in London to offer improved 3G coverage.

The firm currently uses this frequency for 2G services but thanks to a decision by Ofcom and the government in January it is now able to reuse it for 3G coverage as well.

A spokesperson for Vodafone said reusing spectrum would be a major advantage to its customers and although the firm refused to reveal any specific timeframes within which such a rollout could happen it didn't deny it was working towards this goal.

"As Ofcom itself has recognised, allowing 3G services to be run on the spectrum acquired by the mobile phone operators in the 1980s and 1990s is likely to bring significant benefits to consumers," said the spokesperson.

"These should include improved service in rural areas and increased in-building coverage. Exact details of the timing of any refarming by Vodafone of its spectrum in the UK, however, are commercially sensitive."

Everything Everywhere also has the ability to reuse spectrum it owns in the 1800MHz frequency range for 3G use under the Ofcom decision, but V3.co.uk has yet to hear back from the firm.

The UK's other network operator, Three, has been heavily critical of the government's decision, arguing that it gives its competitors an unfair advantage by distorting the market.

Nevertheless, the move by O2 means customers on its network with 900MHz-enabled smartphones will be able to access data up to 30 per cent faster and will increase network capacity by up to 50 per cent as well, the operator claimed.

Analysts told V3.co.uk that the use of 900MHz spectrum for 3G services would also offer improved in-building coverage.