U.K. connectivity provider SSE Enterprise Telecom will be in charge of Three’s network transformation project
U.K. mobile operator Three has signed an agreement with compatriot connectivity provider SSE Enterprise Telecoms to pave the way for the future launch of 5G services.
In the first phase of the partnership, which started last month, SSE Enterprise Telecoms has begun facilitating fiber optic connections for Three UK’s 20 core data centres, which form part of its broader network footprint. The deal is expected to support Three U.K.’s network transformation, preparing it for an eventual 5G rollout and helping to deliver an enhanced 4G network experience for consumers.
The data center connection contract is part of a multi-million-pound, phased agreement that will also see SSE Enterprise Telecoms and Three UK unbundle BT exchanges in the coming years.
“As a connectivity provider, we understand how integral network infrastructure is to allow technologies like 5G to reach their vast potential. We’re excited at the opportunity to assist Three U.K. in its journey to bring unrivaled experiences to its customers while offering new connection options to our own,” said Colin Sempill, managing director of SSE Enterprise Telecoms.
“We are putting our network on the best footing possible to meet the current and future demands of consumers. Our customers use up to 3.5 times more data than the rest of the U.K., a demand which is only going to increase as we move towards a 5G world,” said Bryn Jones, CTO at Three U.K.
U.K. telcos recently obtained spectrum for the future provision of 5G services. Three secured 20 megahertz of 3.4 GHz spectrum at a cost of £151.3 million ($206m).
“We have acquired 20MHz of 5G spectrum, which adds to our existing 5G holdings. 5G technology is exciting for consumers and mobile operators and we are now in the process of planning how best to launch 5G services to the maximum benefit of our customers,” Three previously said in a statement.
Vodafone won 50 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.4GHz frequency band after paying £378 million. BT-owned EE won 40 megahertz for which it paid £303m, while Telefónica-owned O2 picked up 40 megahertz for £318m.
Last month, Vodafone tested the new 3.4GHz radio spectrum band on a live 5G network, which ran between Manchester and the company’s headquarters in Newbury.
In order to carry out the 5G spectrum test, Vodafone used a site at its Manchester contact center, which houses around 1,000 customer service employees, and its offices in Newbury. The test relied on massive MIMO technology combined with 3.4GHz running over the telco’s core 4G network.
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