UK mobile carrier EE is the largest 4G LTE provider in the UK, and the company has announced ambitious plans to extend its network coverage to 95% of the UK by 2020. This initiative is part of EE’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity and ensure that even the most remote areas of the UK have access to reliable mobile services.
Expanding Coverage to Remote Areas
The company is committed to eliminating as many ‘notspots’—areas with no mobile coverage—as possible by 2020. Previously, EE has successfully expanded its coverage to remote regions such as Shetland and the Isles of Scilly. These efforts have been crucial in providing residents and businesses in these areas with the connectivity they need for daily activities and economic growth.
The investment in coverage will focus on filling in outdoor ‘notspots’ in current 4G areas, and expanding 4G coverage from a UK-leading position of 60% landmass today towards an objective of 95% by 2020 – further than any mobile network has ever gone. EE is challenging the mobile industry to measure vital coverage metrics by UK geography, rather than the outdated population score used today.
This statement underscores EE’s commitment to not just improving coverage but also setting new standards for how coverage is measured. By focusing on geographic coverage rather than population-based metrics, EE aims to ensure that rural and less densely populated areas are not left behind in the digital age.
Improving Customer Service
In addition to expanding its network, EE has also announced plans to bring its call centers back to the UK in an effort to improve customer service. This move is expected to enhance the quality of customer interactions and provide quicker, more efficient support. By having all customer service operations based in the UK, EE aims to offer a more personalized and responsive service to its users.
This initiative is part of a broader trend among companies to onshore customer service operations, recognizing that local call centers can better understand and address the specific needs and concerns of their customers. For EE, this move is also a way to create jobs within the UK, contributing to the local economy.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While EE’s plans are ambitious, they are not without challenges. Expanding coverage to 95% of the UK landmass involves significant investment in infrastructure, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. This includes the installation of new cell towers and upgrading existing ones to support 4G LTE technology. Additionally, the company will need to navigate regulatory hurdles and work closely with local authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of its plans.
However, the potential benefits of this expansion are substantial. Improved mobile coverage can drive economic growth, enhance public safety, and improve the quality of life for residents in remote areas. For example, better connectivity can support telemedicine initiatives, allowing residents in rural areas to access healthcare services without having to travel long distances. It can also enable remote learning opportunities, providing students with access to educational resources and online courses.
Moreover, EE’s focus on geographic coverage could set a new standard for the industry, encouraging other mobile carriers to adopt similar metrics and prioritize coverage in underserved areas. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of mobile services across the UK, ensuring that all residents have access to the digital tools and resources they need.
In conclusion, EE’s plans to expand its 4G LTE network to 95% of the UK by 2020 represent a significant step forward in improving mobile connectivity across the country. By focusing on eliminating ‘notspots’ and bringing customer service operations back to the UK, EE is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the user experience and supporting the needs of its customers. As the company moves forward with its plans, it will be interesting to see how these initiatives impact the broader mobile industry and contribute to the UK’s digital future.
Source EE
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