Vodafone fails to meet UK 3G rollout target

The UK telecoms regulator hs singled out Vodafone as the only UK mobile operator to have failed to meet its 3G roll out target.

At the time of the award of 3G mobile spectrum licences in 2000, all UK mobile operators were required to roll out services to 80 per cent of UK residents, which was later increased to 90 per cent in 2010.

In a report released on Thursday, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) revealed that Vodafone had fallen 1.4 per cent short of the 90-per cent target, while rival mobile operators O2, EE and Three managed to meet the target on time.
 
The mobile network has been given a small extension, and told to ensure that 90 per cent of the UK population was covered by its 3G services. However, according to commentators this might not be as easy as it sounds as it would involve rolling out 3G to more masts than Vodafone expected.

Ofcom said in a statement, "Vodafone has put in place a plan to bring itself into compliance with the 3G coverage obligation by the end of 2013. This will involve rolling out 3G to more mobile masts than Vodafone had originally estimated as being necessary.

"Ofcom has reviewed this plan, and believes it to be credible, but will closely monitor Vodafone's implementation of the plan.