1800MHz 4G on iPhone 5

[Chris_K]

Hi all,

For any iOS device users out there, you may have noticed a recent carrier file update. Typically these are nothing but minor updates to keep your devices running smoothly and efficiently on the network, but the most recent carrier file update adds support by default for 1800MHz 4G. Currently the only area we have 1800MHz 4G is the Channel Tunnel, so we hope you enjoy the speed if you have an iPhone 5 and plan to travel through it sometime soon.

PS. To clarify, this will not give your iPhone 5 the ability to connect to our widespread 800MHz 4G signal - no software updated will achieve this as the iPhone 5 only supports a small range of 4G frequencies, and 800MHz isn't one we're afraid.

[MI5]

There will be more when Three take control though

[gemz4the1]

Hi @Chris_K 

What do you mean about 4G speed on the iPhone 5 if it is not possible on the iPhone 5?

I'm sorry to sound stupid - maybe yourself or another member can clarify this for me as i'm a little confused?

[Chris_K]

So to clarify - within the UK there are different 4G frequencies being used by different networks. For O2, we heavily utilise the 800MHz frequency except for in one location where we have 1800MHz - the Channel Tunnel. Though the iPhone 5 doesn't support our widespread 800MHz signal, it will now support the 1800MHz one used in the tunnel.

Hope that helps clear up any confusion?

[MI5]

iPhone 5 will only receive 4g on 1800mhz (o2's 4g is 800mhz) I guess O2 must be buying some 4g bandwidth off EE or Three on the 1800mhz spectrum in the tunnel.
Three runs on 1800mhz so there may be more available "if" the takeover goes through.....

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the heads up Chris.

I was wondering what the recent carrier file update was on my iPhone.

[gemz4the1]

Thank you @Chris_K and @MI5 for clarifying that.

[Anonymous]

To add Chris I was kind of hoping it was the introduction of a 3G toggle.

[darrengf]

Is down to the compmany that is laying the cable in the tunnel which is only 1800MHz for 4G

O2 are allowed to use some of there 1800MHz which they already own and use for 2G in well populated areas, so they will just be using there 1800MHz frequency that they already own to convert it to 4G 1800MHz.

[jonsie]

Mental note....no ferry, travel via the Tunnel. Must buy an iphone😉