4G coming to O2

[Abs]

Exciting news for everyone!

Today, Ofcom has announced the results of the 4G spectrum auction and we're pleased to say 4G will be coming to O2

Let the digital experiences commence. Interested in more info, visit: http://o2lin.kr/XkdLZE

Thanks

Abs

[adamtemp64]

well look at the bidders and I guess they can buy wholesale access from the bt Subsidary as they are not going to run any retail services

[ewanrw]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Great news! An obvious question though, no-one seems to have picked up on in the media; why did O2 not bid for 2.6MHz spectrum? How will you be able to deliver high volume data transmission in densely populated areas? Have you a trick up your sleeve, like planning to integrate 4G seemlessly with Wi-Fi in cities?

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I think there is a bit of PR spin involved with this as 2.6GHz is "better suited" to densely populated areas, as it requires more base stations to be effective in comparison to 800MHz regards coverage (sub 1GHz is prime spectrum remember).

However, more masts, means more capacity, ergo it is "better suited" to "densely populated areas".

In otherwords, it's poor in rural areas where masts are few and far between, so focus on what it's good for.

ewan 

[Liquid]

I would of thought a good idea with O2 and vodaphone mast sharing to go for the high and low ends to cover all aspects. What do I know though:D

[perksie]

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@Liquid wrote:
I would of thought a good idea with O2 and vodaphone mast sharing to go for the high and low ends to cover all aspects. What do I know though:D

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They aren't sharing connections only hardware.

[Anonymous]

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@ewanrw wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Great news! An obvious question though, no-one seems to have picked up on in the media; why did O2 not bid for 2.6MHz spectrum? How will you be able to deliver high volume data transmission in densely populated areas? Have you a trick up your sleeve, like planning to integrate 4G seemlessly with Wi-Fi in cities?

---

I think there is a bit of PR spin involved with this as 2.6GHz is "better suited" to densely populated areas, as it requires more base stations to be effective in comparison to 800MHz regards coverage (sub 1GHz is prime spectrum remember).

However, more masts, means more capacity, ergo it is "better suited" to "densely populated areas".

In otherwords, it's poor in rural areas where masts are few and far between, so focus on what it's good for.

ewan 

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Absolutely right.  Companies which bought the 2.6ghz frequencies paid more for it, will have better capacity (numbers of users that can access at a time) but there are still technical limitations on available speeds.  O2 bought the 800Mhz spectrum (the old analogue tv signal) and took on a promise for 98% indoor/outdoor coverage by 2015. 

So, whilst 3/vodafone/orange are concentrating on areas of high mast density (major towns and cities) O2 will be better for rural areas, while still being decent in towns and cities. 

[Liquid]

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@perksie wrote:

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@Liquid wrote:
I would of thought a good idea with O2 and vodaphone mast sharing to go for the high and low ends to cover all aspects. What do I know though:D

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They aren't sharing connections only hardware.

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Oo my bad:( thanks:)

[Anonymous]

Great news about 4g, will 3g service still be operating for everyone who are on 3g contracts at the moment? Or will we all be transferred to the 4g service with trade in discounts for like to like mobiles ie s3 to s3 lte and so on.  I love my s3 and am loath to part with it but am a bit concerned that once 4g is switched on I wont get a service/signal. Or to use the Freeview anology, once your anaologue signal is switched off then you are forced to buy a digital ariel, freeview or digital satellite!!

[perksie]

You will get all the services that you need.

[adamtemp64]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Great news about 4g, will 3g service still be operating for everyone who are on 3g contracts at the moment? Or will we all be transferred to the 4g service with trade in discounts for like to like mobiles ie s3 to s3 lte and so on.  I love my s3 and am loath to part with it but am a bit concerned that once 4g is switched on I wont get a service/signal. Or to use the Freeview anology, once your anaologue signal is switched off then you are forced to buy a digital ariel, freeview or digital satellite!!

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all explained here
http://www.o2.co.uk/network/future

[Anonymous]

Any idea what will happen to the SIM only customers? Will they be a) stuck with 3G b) able to use both 3G & 4G while on same tariff (like in 3) c) forced to switch to an expensive 4g tarff (like in EE).