O2 faces £40 million fine over incomplete 3G network

Missed December deadline to cover 80% of population


27 February 2008 16:06 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Mobile phone operator O2 is in trouble with regulator Ofcom for not completing the roll-out of its 3G network to the pre-set timetable.

O2 has been given 4 months to complete the work to Ofcom's satisfaction or it will face a 4-month reduction in its 3G license - and fines of up to £40 million.

The other four of the five 3G licensees have complied with rules that stated their 3G networks had to cover 80% of the population by 31 December 2007, but O2's network only covers 75.7%.

An O2 spokesperson said the company will meet Ofcom's requirement before June, stating:

"O2's strategy has been to roll out our 3G network in areas where there is the most demand, providing high quality, in-building coverage in those areas. We have rolled out our 3G network to over 75% of the population. Where we do have coverage it has consistently provided the best quality. We also have one of the larger 3G customer bases."

O2 is the operator that offers Apple's iPhone in the UK that runs on the EDGE 2.5G network and used resources last year increasing EDGE coverage in the UK.
Related
Full tags
Phones, Mobile phone industry, O2, 3G, Biz, Ofcom

share print story pdf email story

Recommended articles


Search

Loading

Follow


Best iPad 2 apps

We detail the best iPad 2 and iPad apps in the app store Which iPad app should you download?

Windows 8

All the features and details of the new Microsoft operating system explained What's new in Windows 8?

iPad 3 rumours

What comes next? We look at the possible features, leaks, images, specs and more

Pocket-lint poll

Q. Will you be buying a PS Vita?

Vote YES Vote NO

» LAST TIME
When asked Will Samsung be making a mistake if the Galaxy S III isn't shown at Mobile World Congress in February? 51% said yes and 49% said no