I'm not talking about consumer phones here though. There are many m2m 'things' use that 2G and will need it around for a long time. Embedded SIMs are used in many places; for example cars, emergency communications and smart meters.
Hutchison Whampoa & O2UK
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I'm not talking about consumer phones here though. There are many m2m 'things' use that 2G and will need it around for a long time. Embedded SIMs are used in many places; for example cars, emergency communications and smart meters.
Was going to say I dont think Three do 2g. You either have 3G signal or you dont have a signal from my experience.
As above, sooner or later 2G will stop, and those frequencies can make way for use in future technologies.
The way I see it, 3 will probably first allow O2 and 3 users to use each other's network (while possibly migrating O2 users to 3 depending on what they plan to do with O2). They will then possibly add 3G/4G equipment to current 2G only areas while at the same time removing duplicate masts. I can't really see any reason 3 will want to turn off O2's 2G in this moment of time, possibly later when more people move to 3G/4G compatible devices.
If anything I'm expecting it to be like the early days of when T-mobile and Orange started to share each other's networks.
The way I see it, 3 will probably first allow O2 and 3 users to use each other's network (while possibly migrating O2 users to 3 depending on what they plan to do with O2). They will then possibly add 3G/4G equipment to current 2G only areas while at the same time removing duplicate masts. I can't really see any reason 3 will want to turn off O2's 2G in this moment of time, possibly later when more people move to 3G/4G compatible devices.
If anything I'm expecting it to be like the early days of when T-mobile and Orange started to share each other's networks.
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We were talking about the O2 network though and the possible re-purposing of the whole 2G spectrum for 3G/4G. It won't be happening in the near future (certainly not by the end of 2017), in fact O2 are actually still investing in their 2G network:
http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2014/11/20/o2-investing-up-to-690m-in-network-next-year/
Back on topic, for a perhaps sad glimpse into the future you only have to go here:
http://www.o2.ie
Well no, I was adding to a poster suggesting 2g will not be used soon, I pointed out 3 don't use it anyway.
And your link is investment to 2,3 and 4g, it doesn't say how much is going to 2g. And its from before they were just bought by a company that doesn't use 2g.
So its a pretty good guess 02 isn't going to be investing in 2g any time soon.
And your link is investment to 2,3 and 4g, it doesn't say how much is going to 2g. And its from before they were just bought by a company that doesn't use 2g.
So its a pretty good guess 02 isn't going to be investing in 2g any time soon.
Em3bbs is pointing out a critical item, nearly all M2M devices use SMS as a wakeup over 2G because it's ultra efficient and then the device can spend the very vast majority of it's life asleep resulting in ultra low power draw. There is no replacement for this now. It's a huge reason as to why three has zero game in the M2M market.
They certainly have a lot of capital (across the group). I feel they need to do something out get left behind
Soldato
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Three's old 3G devices only support UMTS Band 1 - 2100MHz (DL).
Liberty Global and Vodafone are in talks for possible "asset transfers".
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/05/vodafone_talking_virgin_media_daddy_liberty_global/
I think that this is pretty good news. Vodafone have long been derided for being awful outside of London but I know that they are have been investing heavily in infrastructure round here. Definitely needed to compete against BT and Sky.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/05/vodafone_talking_virgin_media_daddy_liberty_global/
I think that this is pretty good news. Vodafone have long been derided for being awful outside of London but I know that they are have been investing heavily in infrastructure round here. Definitely needed to compete against BT and Sky.
So... a merger between the two? If Vodafone gets Virgin behind them that will bring in some serious investment. But seeing as no details are known yet it's pretty hard to guess what sort of deal they will agree too.
Talk about a crazy shake up... BT buying EE, 3 attempting to buy O2, and rumours of a Vodafone/Virgin merger.
Soldato
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Do you think O2 will experience restructuring after this goes through?
Soldato
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Voda started all this 'quad play' business by buying Cable & Wireless. The deal with Liberty will make them very strong (if the European Courts allow it) and they are spending vast amounts of money on their 4G network in the UK at the moment, as well as (finally) ramping up their 3G, which they want to start using for all of the voice data.
Funny thing is that they have already spent vast sums on gearing up for 'quad play' themselves, everything is already in place ready for launch, but could find a ready made package in the offing as well if the deal with Liberty goes through. Having the Virgin fixed line capacity as well as Cable & Wireless one will give them serious clout and an immense fibre optic network.
I think EE could lose out the most in this.
Funny thing is that they have already spent vast sums on gearing up for 'quad play' themselves, everything is already in place ready for launch, but could find a ready made package in the offing as well if the deal with Liberty goes through. Having the Virgin fixed line capacity as well as Cable & Wireless one will give them serious clout and an immense fibre optic network.
I think EE could lose out the most in this.
Soldato
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Don't know whether or not to accept a job with O2... I do have another offer elsewhere.
Soldato
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Take the job if it is your preference.
Word on the street I that Brussels are looking more likely to veto the deal anyway. Less providers = increased costs to the consumer and they don't like it.