4G on Three Spring 2013

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4,512
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4G is coming to Three Mobile in Spring 2013.

Any news of where will get it first or when exactly?
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  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Waffles wrote: »
    4G is coming to Three Mobile in Spring 2013.

    Any news of where will get it first or when exactly?

    Where did you find out that the rollout starts in spring? I thought they were waiting untill october time when ee handed over the 1800mhz. ( I may be wrong though )
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    Jwhiterz wrote: »
    Where did you find out that the rollout starts in spring? I thought they were waiting untill october time when ee handed over the 1800mhz. ( I may be wrong though )

    No, no no What they actually said was they are building the network already and have been buying and planning since they knew they were getting the 1800mhz, as they couldn't justify beginning to build the network and all the costs if there was a risk a new entrant like BT did actually go for the 800Mhz and leave them with no spectrum.

    When they knew what month they were getting the 1800Mhz spectrum in then they would naturally turn it on then assuming they didn't win any extra spectrum, however because they did, and because the kit is already being built, there's no reason why they shouldn't start turning on some sites at the end of May / beginning of June just like the others.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Thine Wonk wrote: »
    No, no no. What they actually said was they are building the network already and have been buying and planning since they knew they were getting the 1800mhz, as they couldn't justify beginning to build the network and all the costs if there was a risk a new entrant like BT did actually go for the 800Mhz and leave them with no spectrum.

    When they knew what month they were getting the 1800Mhz spectrum in then they would naturally turn it on then assuming they didn't win any extra spectrum, however because they did, and because the kit is already being built, there's no reason why they shouldn't start turning on some sites at the end of May / beginning of June just like the others.

    ahh okay yes I understand now, I naturally assumed they were not turning on some of the 800mhz sites until they had the 1800mhz as that will most likely comprise of the majority of the network, and also since they haven't posted any updates on there site ect. I would expect three to have a fast rollout considering they are the network built for the internet.
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    Jwhiterz wrote: »
    ahh okay yes I understand now, I naturally assumed they were not turning on some of the 800mhz sites until they had the 1800mhz as that will most likely comprise of the majority of the network, and also since they haven't posted any updates on there site ect. I would expect three to have a fast rollout considering they are the network built for the internet.

    Not so sure about the fast roll-out, as they are buying Samsung base stations just for it, and it's not part of MBNL as I understand it. I would say it will be limited to certain areas to start with, and it may take a long time to expand as they aren't charging a premium for it. Users will still get dc-hspa and the backhaul and capacity of the 3G side will continue to be built out as well.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Thine Wonk wrote: »
    Not so sure about the fast roll-out, as they are buying Samsung base stations just for it, and it's not part of MBNL as I understand it. I would say it will be limited to certain areas to start with, and it may take a long time to expand as they aren't charging a premium for it. Users will still get dc-hspa and the backhaul and capacity of the 3G side will continue to be built out as well.

    True, I wouldn't expect them to be that far behind the other networks, does the samsung kit do 3G as well as lte?

    I would expect them to rollout volte or be one of the first networks to as i know samsung pride there LTE equipment as being good for it.
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    Jwhiterz wrote: »
    True, I wouldn't expect them to be that far behind the other networks, does the samsung kit do 3G as well as lte?

    I would expect them to rollout volte or be one of the first networks to as i know samsung pride there LTE equipment as being good for it.

    That's a bloody good question, I think it's going to be an addon to an MBNL site but I just don't know.

    I wonder if anyone else knows more about the Samsung installations. I guess we'll find out in about 8 - 10 weeks when all the operators begin turning on their stuff, and then a little while after when we see it on Sitefinder.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4,512
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    http://www.store-3.co.uk/3-mobile-4g-network.html

    Three say themselves "4G is coming to Three Mobile in Spring 2013"
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Waffles wrote: »
    http://www.store-3.co.uk/3-mobile-4g-network.html

    Three say themselves "4G is coming to Three Mobile in Spring 2013"

    That site is not owned by three but works with them, so I wouldnt trust it as much as the actually thre website but who knows. as long as they roll it out by the end of this year im happy :)
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    Waffles wrote: »
    http://www.store-3.co.uk/3-mobile-4g-network.html

    Three say themselves "4G is coming to Three Mobile in Spring 2013"

    Just so you know store-3.co.uk is nothing to do with Hutchison Whampoa or Three UK. They are an Oxford based affiliate that very cheekily makes the site out to look like it's associated with Three. I guess Three aren't complaining as they generate a lot of sales.

    However I'm sure the information they have has come from Three. I'm just pointing that out as people often think that site is official, and it's absolutely not associated with them.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 4,512
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    Ahhh interesting okay thanks.

    I'm currently with 3 but my contract ends in May. I was planning to move to a different network with cheaper deals but am tempted to stay if Three become the next 4G network for 'free' :)
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    You usually struggle to find better deals, a lot of what seem like better deals are speed capped or won't come with the same speeds and reliability. Three are going to be the only one of the main networks not making LTE a premium addon.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    just found this on the samsung website

    "The Samsung single platform solution enables 2G, 3G and 4G technologies in one unit. It supports both optic and Ethernet backhaul, offering easy deployment options. The unit is flexible enough to use in any standard 19-inch rack, ensuring rapid and easy installation."
  • The Lord LucanThe Lord Lucan Posts: 5,054
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    I'm yet to see any evidence of any Samsung kit being installed in any of the usual suspect cities. No planning permission so far and I am led to believe by staff who are in the know that they have not installed any 800 capable equipment as of yet (outside of trial testing)
    Yes the Samsung cabinets do support 3G&2G but will not be used for that. They bought specifically these cabinets for two other reasons one of which has already been discussed on the forum :)
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    I'm yet to see any evidence of any Samsung kit being installed in any of the usual suspect cities. No planning permission so far and I am led to believe by staff who are in the know that they have not installed any 800 capable equipment as of yet (outside of trial testing)
    Yes the Samsung cabinets do support 3G&2G but will not be used for that. They bought specifically these cabinets for two other reasons one of which has already been discussed on the forum :)

    Well they awarded the contract last summer which said they would be building it early this year. If it fits in a standard 19" rack it is possible it fits in an MBNL cabinet or that no planning is required if it's one in, one out?

    I'm sure somebody posted on here to say they had seen planning applications a couple of months ago.
    Three UK awarded Samsung the contract to supply LTE infrastructure equipment ready for commercial launch in 2013. The deal marks a turning point for Samsung, with 3 UK being the first European operator to use the South Korean vendor's LTE RAN and 3G/LTE core infrastructure systems.

    The contract calls for Samsung to deploy LTE base stations, including all associated systems and network support services, across 3's UK-wide network. The system will be tested by 3 UK and Samsung this year, with full deployment in 2013.

    Youngky Kim, Samsung's executive vice president for telecommunications systems, said in a statement: "This contract marks a significant milestone for Samsung and further demonstrates our commitment to the European market."

    "Samsung has been active in developing and commercialising data-specialised mobile solutions since the early 2000s, and has accrued significant experience in LTE projects around the globe," he said. "We are bringing the full weight of this experience to our deployment with 3 UK, and trust this will mark the start of many successful relationships with leading mobile operators based in Europe."

    Samsung has won contracts in the United States, Japan and Saudi Arabia to deploy LTE infrastructure for operators there. Samsung was the fifth-largest LTE infrastructure vendor in the second quarter, according to the research firm the Dell'Oro Group. The South Korean firm trailed Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei.

    Three UK CEO David Dyson said its subscribers would start benefiting from this investment in the core network early next year, and those benefits would grow further as the company deployed new spectrum. "In Samsung's home market operators are busy turning off 2G," he said in a statement. "In the UK, Three is the only operator without a 2G network which means more and more consumers are choosing the network built for the Internet."
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    I'm yet to see any evidence of any Samsung kit being installed in any of the usual suspect cities. No planning permission so far and I am led to believe by staff who are in the know that they have not installed any 800 capable equipment as of yet (outside of trial testing)
    Yes the Samsung cabinets do support 3G&2G but will not be used for that. They bought specifically these cabinets for two other reasons one of which has already been discussed on the forum :)

    Volte? im sure they would also run 3G on them to increase coverage. as they are capable of it.
  • The Lord LucanThe Lord Lucan Posts: 5,054
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    Maybe at a later date.. 3G is part of MBNL. No extra capacity sites anymore, it's all shared.
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    3UK said that it will continue sharing sites with its partner and use the existing backhaul infrastructure in place, but will add Samsung’s equipment onto the existing infrastructure.

    http://www.telecoms.com/48540/samsung-deploys-three-uks-lte-network/

    So I wonder if it's just a straight swapout, and the article seems to suggest 3 customers are using some of these LTE capable base stations at MBNL sites already, come end of May it may just be a case of flicking a switch to turn some areas on.

    It sounds like every MBNL / 3 site will have this eventually as they describe the Samsung contract as 'network wide'.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Maybe at a later date.. 3G is part of MBNL. No extra capacity sites anymore, it's all shared.

    So three no longer have any of there own 3G sites outside of MBNL?
  • The Lord LucanThe Lord Lucan Posts: 5,054
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    Yeah but I have been checking, not seen any. Weird thing is I've seen new planning apps for MBNL upgrades which show the samsung location in relation to the proposed Huewai cabinets.
    But it always states the Samsung cabs for future planning application. You would assume the UK's top ten cities would have already seen applications. Nope. I'd expect them to start showing up shortly though for a pre Autumn switch on.

    Three have not rolled out any 800 masts.. Can't get an early launch without these.

    I'll eat my hat if I'm wrong but Three ain't launching before August.
  • The Lord LucanThe Lord Lucan Posts: 5,054
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    Jwhiterz wrote: »
    So three no longer have any of there own 3G sites outside of MBNL?

    Apparently so.. Happened when Orange sites started to come into the MBNL family I'm told...


    (This excludes Seperate EE and Three pico cells in thier retail shops, which are not part of MBNL)
  • wavejockglwwavejockglw Posts: 10,596
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    Hold on...... when did EE bring forward their handover of the frequency range they have gifted to 3? It was widely reported that it would not be made available for 3's use until October 2013.

    If 3 and EE are building 800MHz coverage via MBNL it would make sense for them to roll that out at the same time, so I would expect EE and 3 800MHz coverage to be broadly similar as upgrade and installations of both would cut costs for both operators.

    The site that stated the Spring availability has an interest in promoting the network as it has a store that sells it's contracts so I would not read too much into what they state when they have a commercial interest.

    3's own strategy has been to promote the 'Ultrafast' branding which covers both DC-HSPDA and LTE. Having made the point that there is little difference between these it would not make a huge amount of sense for them to invest lots in 4G until capacity demands it.
  • Thine WonkThine Wonk Posts: 17,190
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    Yeah but I have been checking, not seen any. Weird thing is I've seen new planning apps for MBNL upgrades which show the samsung location in relation to the proposed Huewai cabinets.
    But it always states the Samsung cabs for future planning application. You would assume the UK's top ten cities would have already seen applications. Nope. I'd expect them to start showing up shortly though for a pre Autumn switch on.

    Three have not rolled out any 800 masts.. Can't get an early launch without these.

    I'll eat my hat if I'm wrong but Three ain't launching before August.

    They may not need planning, or it may be the case (and I know this is wrong) but I hear sometimes they just put the kit there and don't say anything and if somebody complains they put in a retrospective and then appeal, appeal, appeal if necessary. It is almost never noticed anyway, as it's not like a new pole, it's just a new cab.

    I'm not sure how true this is, but it may be cheaper to just do it. It's likely if it's only a cabinet to an existing mast that it would get retrospectively approved anyway.

    That's if it's not already a swap-out for existing equipment or will fit within the existing rack space.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Hold on...... when did EE bring forward their handover of the frequency range they have gifted to 3? It was widely reported that it would not be made available for 3's use until October 2013.

    If 3 and EE are building 800MHz coverage via MBNL it would make sense for them to roll that out at the same time, so I would expect EE and 3 800MHz coverage to be broadly similar as upgrade and installations of both would cut costs for both operators.

    The site that stated the Spring availability has an interest in promoting the network as it has a store that sells it's contracts so I would not read too much into what they state when they have a commercial interest.

    3's own strategy has been to promote the 'Ultrafast' branding which covers both DC-HSPDA and LTE. Having made the point that there is little difference between these it would not make a huge amount of sense for them to invest lots in 4G until capacity demands it.

    They may not invest in capatcity soon but they would need decent coverage as people looking for 4G ain't going to join them off its no good.
  • JwhiterzJwhiterz Posts: 528
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    Thine Wonk wrote: »
    They may not need planning, or it may be the case (and I know this is wrong) but I hear sometimes they just put the kit there and don't say anything and if somebody complains they put in a retrospective and then appeal, appeal, appeal if necessary. It is almost never noticed anyway, as it's not like a new pole, it's just a new cab.

    I'm not sure how true this is, but it may be cheaper to just do it. It's likely if it's only a cabinet to an existing mast that it would get retrospectively approved anyway.

    That's if it's not already a swap-out for existing equipment or will fit within the existing rack space.

    I think a lot of that goes on.

    But I thi k the majority of it will be swap in and out. And then blackhall upgrade via mbnl. As the kit is able to fit in the same space cabs. And also do 3G
  • wavejockglwwavejockglw Posts: 10,596
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    Jwhiterz wrote: »
    They may not invest in capatcity soon but they would need decent coverage as people looking for 4G ain't going to join them off its no good.

    True but 3 are not selling 4G - they are selling 'Ultrafast' which will be a mix of 3G and 4G technology. I doubt if anyone will be bothered what the technology is as long as it performs well enough for their needs.
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