Telstra 3G Roaming + Three/Vodafone Merger = Mega 3mobile Network
As previously reported, Three and Telstra have signed a 3G roaming agreement which will provide 3mobile subscribers with the ability to roam on the Telstra NextG (850mhz) Network. This agreement will allow 3 customers to access the full range of Planet 3 content and wireless broadband Internet where previously unavailable due to lack of 3G coverage with Three’s own network.
Three is set to gain access to the Telstra NextG 850mhz Network from April 1 (please oh please don’t pull an Aprils Fools joke telstra). Following network testing and an “over-the-air” USIM update, Three customers with a compatible handset will gain access to 3G coverage that reaches up to 96% of the Australian population.
Since this announcement Three has been busy making another larger and more shocking agreement, a 50/50 merger with Vodafone.
Once (if), the merger is approved by the ACCC & shareholders, the merger of Hutchison Telecoms Australia and Vodafone will create a combined subscriber base of over 6 million customers.
Both Vodafone & Three have extensive 3G networks which combined will provide direct 3G access to 63% of the Australian population.
Add to this the Telstra NextG roaming agreement and Three/Vodafone, VHA, subscribers will have access to the largest, most saturated 3G coverage available in Australia.
Impressive!
Not only will current 3 customers benefit from the new network agreements, but the Vodafone merger will also open up a host of new handsets such as the iPhone to 3 customers.
Until the Three/Vodafone merger has been completed it is business as usual for both companies.
Stay tuned for more updates as they come to hand.
Tags: 3G, 3mobile, Australia, hutchison, hutchison telecoms, iphone, NextG, planet 3, roaming, Telstra, Three, update, usim, VHA, vodafone
