In an effort to improve signal strength for their customers, O2 and Vodafone have recently announced that the two will be combining and sharing their current 2G, 3G and soon LTE 4G network infrastructure.  And while this may sound boring to some, it’s actually a pretty smart and slick move between the two carriers.  O2 and Vodafone make up the country’s second and third largest network operators and plan to create a massive nationwide grid in which both networks can run on.  Recall the merger between Orange and T-Mobile UK, “Everything Everywhere“, and note that this isn’t the same thing.  O2 and Vodafone are not merging in so much as this is more of an attempt to assist in a quicker roll-out of their 4G LTE technologies.  The two carriers state that the agreement will allow them to deploy 4G services more rapidly as would otherwise.  However, the carriers will remain separate companies and still compete against one another.  The only distinction here would be how fast the carriers can get 4G to their customers as soon as the 800MHz/2600Mhz spectrum auction is complete.  So, how and who in the world is going to be responsible for maintaining and monitoring the new infrastructure?  Good and fair question.  In a seamless effort to integrate the new venture into both networks, a new 50/50 split watch is being implemented as O2 oversees design management and maintenance in the east and likewise Vodafone in the west.  The 18,500 site increase will serve as a 40% increase for both networks.  So, what does this mean to the customer?  It means, should all go as planned, customers should start seeing better reception in spots that have otherwise been sketchy in each respective network and a seamless roll-out of 4G LTE will rapidly approach.  Should everything be approved, the carriers hope to begin kicking things off later this year. Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments below.

source: O2