3 hit regulatory requirement for 3G coverage

December 9, 2004

3UK announced that it has 80% population coverage for video mobile services. 3 is the first network to reach this major regulatory milestone, three years before the requirement.

3 has the most extensive 3G network in the UK, with over 6,000 integrated radio sites, an increase of 1,000 from December 2003. The pace of 3's network rollout will continue during 2005 as it continues to extend its coverage across the UK.

In 2000, 3 acquired licence 'A' from the 3G spectrum auction the Government held. This licence was reserved for a new entrant and designed to bring competition to the UK mobile market. The regulatory requirement in the licences was to have 80% population coverage for 3G services by end 2007.

Mike O'Brien MP, Minister of State for Energy and E-Commerce said; "The UK is setting the standard for successful 3G take up, and 3 is to be congratulated on this significant achievement so far ahead of time. The Government's key objective in creating a new entrant mobile operator was to increase competition for the benefit of the consumer. The entry of 3 as the new 3G network has proved the value of this objective."

Bob Fuller, CEO 3 UK said; "We are delighted that we have reached this major milestone three years early. As we build our network further, more of Britain will be able to experience what is fast-becoming a revolution in telephony. Coverage has been a key part of our strategy since launch and we intend to remain the market leader for 3G coverage."