BT's plan to undercut rival networks is under threat by 4G problems
By Chris Martin | PC Advisor | 06 October 14
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BT's plans to launch its own mobile phone network might be delayed by technical problems related to 4G. See also: The UK's best mobile networks revealed: mobile broadband group test.
The internet, TV and home phone provider is hoping to rival the likes of EE, O2, Vodafone and Three with a mobile phone network. However, BT's plans are thought to be disrupted by issues and might be delayed.
The Telegraph reports that the telecoms firm is struggling with technology for carrying data traffic over Wi-Fi rather than 4G LTE. Read: BT drops Infinity broadband price.
This element is key to keeping the cost down and undercutting rivals. BT is partnering up with EE on the project so the more data which is transmitted over 4G, the more it will cost them in bills.
"The handover is absolutely essential for BT to do what it wants to do with mobile. It's possible the launch will slip into the second quarter of next year now," said the source.
It is the handover which moves a connection from mobile to Wi-Fi and needs to be seamless so that a call is not interrupted with a delay. See:What is 4G? A complete guide to 4G.:
BT has already said that the customer experience needs to be right before launching. The second quarter of next year will be the first quarter of BT's next financial year and miss the deadline it set itself. However, a BT spokesperson said "the plans were still on track".
A total of £186m was spent by BT's subsidiary, Niche Spectrum Ventures Ltd, in the auction for 4G spectrum last year and it plans to use this in the future to require EE's network less. It purchased multiple bands in the 2.6 GHz frequency.
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