O2 switches on a faster 3G network

UK MOBILE OPERATOR O2 has announced a switch to a faster 3G network, dubbed 3G900, across the UK.

O2 is the first UK mobile company to switch to the 900MHz 3G network that has been switched on in London and key cities across the country. This is due to permission and licensing from the UK communications regulator Ofcom, which was gained in January to reuse the 900MHz spectrum that was previously only licensed for 2G in the UK. Other cities on the network in Britain include Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester, with more cities to follow in the coming months, says O2.

O2 claims that the 3G900 network will give users a 50 per cent increase in network capacity and up to 30 per cent faster downloads. You will need a 900MHz capable phone to be able to take advantage of this faster network, so we suggest you check your phone's specifications list before you get too excited.

Nigel Purdy, CTO of Telefónica O2 said, "This 3G900 switch-on is the latest in a series of network enhancements for O2, and is a first for the UK and Telefónica."

When questioned about its plans for improving its 3G network, Vodaphone told The INQUIRER that "Exact details of the timing of any refarming by Vodafone of its spectrum in the UK, however, are commercially sensitive." µ