UK networks come together to accelerate 4G rollout

Zoom, zoom, zoom

EE, O2, Three and Vodafone have joined forces to form a joint company focused on accelerating the 4G network rollout on the frequency freed up by the analogue TV switch off.

The company is called Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited and is responsible for ensuring Freeview customers continue to receive clear TV signal, while the 4G network is rolled out on the 800MHz spectrum – which is scheduled to start in spring next year.

The creation of this joint venture means 4G services can be accelerated, with the UK's competitive 4G network becoming available as soon as possible in 2013.

Ofcom and Government

This has all come about after Ofcom and the Government met with mobile operators to discuss how the UK's 4G network rollout could be accelerated – allowing all carriers to get in on the super-fast network, after EE was allowed to launch its service early.

There's still the small matter of the spectrum auction for the networks to fight over, but apparently everything is now in place to allow it to be processed as quickly as possible.

There's still no exact date for when the likes of O2, Three and Vodafone will be able to join EE in offering 4G to customers, but it could now be in the first half of next year with this major stumbling block out of the way.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/uk-networks-come-together-to-accelerate-4g-rollout-1105260

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Vodafone confirms iPhone 5 Facetime over 3G included in data allowance

Say cheese

Vodafone has confirmed that its customers will be able enjoy Facetime over 3G (VoIP) on the new iPhone 5 as part of their data allowance.

TechRadar was told that customers on a Vodafone Red plan, which start at £29 per month, would have Facetime over 3G included in their bundled data allowance.

A Vodafone spokesperson said: "The iPhone 5 will be available on Vodafone Red plans, giving customers access to Voice over IP services (including Facetime over 3G) as part of their data allowance."

iPhone 4 and 4S also included

He continued: "Existing pay monthly iPhone 4 and 4S customers on price plans of more than £40 a month already have VoIP included and anyone can move to Vodafone Red plans without extending their commitment provided they pay the same or more each month."

Networks are hastily trying to court customers to choose the iPhone 5 on their network, and especially as EE has the latest handset exclusively on 4G, the likes of Vodafone and O2 are pulling out all the stops to entice Apple lovers their way.

O2 announced earlier today that it was looking to accelerate the development of its 4G network, and is offering customers an early upgrade to a 4G handset next year, if they buy the iPhone 5 at launch.

We've contacted the other networks to see if Facetime over 3G will be included in their data allowances as well, and we'll update this article once we hear back.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/vodafone-confirms-iphone-5-facetime-over-3g-included-in-data-allowance-1097097

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Vodafone offering nano-SIM cards ahead of iPhone 5 launch

Vodafone pulled a blog-post about the availability of nano-SIMs

Vodafone says it has 500,000 nano-SIM cards in stock and ready to be dished out to customers, on the eve of the iPhone 5 launch.

The network has stocked up on the new SIM standard, which is likely to make its debut in the new iPhone, which is all-but-certain to be announced in San Francisco on Tuesday evening.

Vodafone made the announcement in a post on its official blog, which Pocket-Lint points out has now been removed as nano-SIM-enabled devices are not yet available.

The post from Vodafone comes a week after T-Mobile Germany informed retail partners that the next-generation of SIM technology will be winging its way to them.

Handle with tweezers

"They're so slim and tiny you might only be able to handle them with tweezers - but imagine the extra space the new nano-SIM card frees up inside your handset," Voda's post read.

"The first devices have now been announced – and Vodafone has now got 500,000 of the new 12.3 mm x 8.8 mm nano-SIMs in stock."

The nano-SIMs, which became the new European standard after a legal battle involving Apple, Motorola, Nokia and RIM, are 40 per cent smaller than the micro-SIMs that live within the iPhone 4S.

We'd say there's a very good chance Vodafone will republish this post as soon as the iPhone 5 is announced in tomorrow evening.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/vodafone-offering-nano-sim-cards-ahead-of-iphone-5-launch-1096358

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