Vodafone UK redeploys 2.1GHz for 4G

LTE

Vodafone UK has redeployed part of its 3G spectrum to boost its 4G coverage.

The operator will now use its 2.1GHz spectrum for LTE. It already uses 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2.6GHz for 4G.

London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Reading, Swindon and Stoke will initially benefit from the widened 4G spectrum holding, with other areas of the UK to follow this year.

The operator expects both indoor and outdoor locations to benefit from the changes.

Nick Jeffery, Vodafone UK CEO, said: “Our new service offerings illustrate our commitment to putting our customers at the very heart of everything we do.

“Whether it’s providing 24/7 customer care, developing innovative new digital services or outstanding indoor 4G coverage, we are determined to make our network and services easier to use, faster and more engaging for our customers than ever before.”

The operator has also refarmed its 900MHz holding from 2G to 3G.

In June, Vodafone UK revealed that it had undertaken the Group’s first launch of Massive MIMO technology, which will improve throughput and sensitivity in the network.

The network enhancements come alongside new customer service commitments from Vodafone, announced yesterday, including 24/7 social media contact and a Pay As You Go plan that allows voice and data to be rolled over to the next month.

The operator is also adding new channels to engage with customers, such as a chat app-style messaging service and new capabilities for its AI chatbot TOBi.