Mobile network EE has promised to spend £1.5bn over the next two years on improving its network coverage and signal quality.
The firm, which is due to be taken over by BT, plans to boost voice and 4G data coverage across 90% of the UK.
It will roll-out ‘micro’ networks to 1,500 communities that lack reliable mobile or high speed broadband and plans to introduce WiFi Calling – the ability to make and receive calls over WiFi when out of signal – to a range of iOS, Microsoft Windows and Android devices.
And twenty of the UK’s busiest cities will see 4G speeds boosted to 150Mbps.
CEO Olaf Swantee said: “Stage one of our Network strategy saw us overhaul UK mobile networks, launching 4G and changing the way people and businesses use their smart devices.
“This revolution of the mobile landscape has made the UK a leader in global communications once again.
“Today we’re announcing the next stage with a commitment to, once again, radically improve mobile coverage, this time with a strong focus on rural UK, all while continuing to increase speeds and capacity with deeper coverage in more cities.
“Smart devices are playing an ever-increasing part in our customers’ lives in every part of the UK. With the £1.5bn investment plan, and our unceasing desire to continually improve the breadth and performance of our network, we are at the forefront of the new mobile era that is changing customers lives every day.”