O2 Enhancing 3G Network Before The 4G Launch

O2 Ireland has outlined plans to upgrade and enhance its third-generation network this month ahead of its deployment of LTE technology, expected later this year. The mobile network operator has said that it will make improvements to its 3G infrastructure in 250 locations across 14 counties, with the upgrade aimed at boosting speeds for customers in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Sligo and Wicklow. Further, O2 Ireland has said that it will improve a similar number of site in other locations across the country before the end of 2013 as part of plans to invest around EUR200 million (USD256 million) in upgrading its network over the next three years.

Commenting on the plans, the cellco’s director of finance and technology, Paul Whelan, said:

‘The 3G network upgrade is great news for our customers. In simple terms, they will now see a stronger 3G signal on their mobile device in more places, indoor and on the move. Our customers will enjoy significantly improved data speeds in more places from this month, bringing a richer data experience to life on their 3G mobile devices.’

Meanwhile, in parallel with the development of O2 Ireland’s 3G network, the operator has said it is ‘well advanced in readying its network for the rollout of4G’, confirming that it expects sites to go live in ‘key locations’ from autumn 2013.