The company promised a “new era of connectivity” for the UK, including a 20% average speed boost for 4G and an £11bn investment in an advanced 5G network.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group’s chief executive, said the new network will “transform the country’s digital infrastructure and propel the UK to the forefront of European connectivity”.
The merger of the two companies was first announced in 2023.
Upgrades for customers
Della Valle said that, in the next few weeks, customers on Vodafone and Three will automatically be able to make use of both networks at no extra cost or effort. Over time, the Three and Vodafone mobile networks will merge to create ‘The Nation’s Network’.
The network also promised a new customer service initiative called Just Ask Once will improve service, and if no resolution can be reached with customers, they will be able to leave their contracts penalty-free.
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The current brands run by the combined group – Three, Vodafone, Smarty, VOXI and Talkmobile – will all remain, but broadband under the Three brand will move to Vodafone.
Big claims
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at comparison site Uswitch.com, said the merged company was making “big claims”.
“The proof will be in the pudding for consumers, and what really matters now is whether these promises translate into noticeable, reliable improvements in everyday service,” he said.
He added that the customer service pledge “could be a game-changer for customer trust and satisfaction if it makes good on this commitment”.
