UK mobile operator, Three will make 5G mobile available in 65 new locations across the UK from the end of the month.
The company continues its roll-out which sees 5G mobile available in locations including London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry and Nottingham. Its 5G service is now fully supported by its 5G cloud core, and for backhaul outside of London, the operator has chosen to partner with alternative network provider, CityFibre.
The long-term framework enables Three to leverage the provider’s fast-growing national full-fibre network to support its roll-out of 5G services. Under the first phase of the agreement, CityFibre will provide backhaul connectivity to Three’s cell sites, with hundreds already planned for connection this year across a number of CityFibre’s Gigabit City projects. The first connections to sites will go live in the summer.
In addition, CityFibre’s dark fibre connectivity will provide Three with greater capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile data. The operator will have access to the company’s full product portfolio including small cell access points throughout its city-wide networks.
Dave Dyson, CEO at Three UK said: ‘A competitive fibre backhaul market is critical for the fast and efficient rollout of 5G. CityFibre is aggressively rolling out fibre across Britain and our strategic partnership with them will use the UK’s largest 5G spectrum portfolio to deliver the fastest 5G network nationwide.’
CityFibre CEO, Greg Mesch added: ‘This is a huge vote of confidence in CityFibre from a national mobile operator with big plans for 5G. Three’s decision to leverage our rapidly expanding networks nationwide shows the critical role full-fibre infrastructure has to underpin 5G roll-outs and reinforces CityFibre’s position as the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform. This deal will not only help accelerate 5G coverage throughout the UK, but also further accelerate our rollout of full fibre coverage nationwide.’
