3UK on Thursday announced plans to deploy LTE on its low frequency 800-MHz spectrum in September.
The mobile operator has also revealed it will launch voice over LTE (VoLTE) by the autumn, and said that more than 1 million customers have downloaded its WiFi calling application, ThreeInTouch.
"Our aim is to keep our customers connected wherever they are. Adding low frequency to our network and enabling voice calls over 4G and WiFi, will mean 3 customers can stay connected in more places than ever before," said Bryn Jones, CTO of 3UK, in a statement.
The propagation characteristics of 800-MHz spectrum will help 3UK increase its LTE footprint and improve indoor coverage.
The company spent £225 million on 2×5 MHz of 800-MHz spectrum in Ofcom’s 4G auction in February 2013. However, when 3UK’s 4G service went live in December 2013, it was based on the 1800-MHz spectrum that it bought from EE. The latter was required to divest a chunk of spectrum as a condition of the Orange and T-Mobile merger that led to its establishment.
As for VoLTE, 3UK hopes to get 1 million customers using it this year, and aims to increase that number to 7.5 million by 2016.
"With roaming at no extra cost also available in 18 destinations, 3 is doing more than any other network to give our customers a reliable, quality experience wherever they are," said Jones.
