Three says it will introduce 4G mobile data services in Belfast later this month and plans to extend coverage to other parts of Northern Ireland, including Londonderry, in 2015
Unlike rivals which charge a premium for their high-speed 4G services, Three provides the service at no extra cost.
This means existing customers in Northern Ireland with a compatible 4G phone will be able to enjoy the higher 4G speeds without having to renew or upgrade their contract.
Three also allows subscribers to to use the internet and call and text Northern Irish numbers over Irish networks at no extra cost as part of its Feel At Home service.
News of the firm’s 4G plans came as it announced the results of a three year, £12m network upgrade which means 95% of the population can now access its services.
To achieve this Three has more than doubled the number of sites in its Northern Ireland network from 189 at the end of 2012 to 425, bringing its coverage to new areas.
During this time the firm has seen a “six-fold increase” in voice and data usage on its Northern Irish network.
Bryn Jones, Three’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We have invested heavily in our network to provide exceptional coverage and a quality experience in Northern Ireland.
“Our customers will be able to enjoy better and faster mobile internet with the addition of new sites and the latest 3G technology. We will continue to invest in and improve the network to make sure customers get the best experience.”
Chris Lloyd, Three’s Area Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “With the massive expansion of network coverage we’ve seen sales rise by 28%, and 84% of our customers in 2014 have said they are likely to recommend us to friends and family.
“With our Feel at Home offer addressing the problems of inadvertent border roaming our Northern Ireland customers have made us the top performing region of the UK for growth.”
