EE grows 4G network to 14 million customers
Official figures reveal that EE doubled its 4G customer base over the last year, although it also reported lower revenues.
The figures, which are revealed in the company’s last trading update as an independent telecoms company, show sales of £6 billion last year, down one per cent on 2014. The company had previously pledged to double the number of users on 4G services, bringing the figure to 14 million. This was achieved and EE claims that 95 per cent of the population can now access its 4G services.
The roll-out of 4G services by EE is far higher than that of Vodafone and O2, each of which currently has around 6.5 million customers on 4G.
The merger between EE and BT will be finalised in the spring; however, EE will keep its own mobile consumer brand, setting it apart from the mobile services offered by BT. This means it will keep its logo, network and stores. Marc Allera, the former chief commercial officer of EE, will take the helm, with current boss Olaf Swantee stepping down.
The EE division admits that it faces a few challenges, including the cap on roaming fees and more outlay for the mobile spectrum, which are likely to squeeze revenues.
The plans to end mobile roaming charges across the EU by the middle of 2017 are already in place, with caps due to be put in place over the next couple of months. These changes will affect all mobile operators.