Orange and T-Mobile customers get better network coverage

Everything Everywhere offers customers joint access to Orange and T-Mobile radio access networks

Customers of Everything Everywhere's two mobile brands can now access both radio access networks at no extra charge.

Everything Everywhere, the result of a merger of Orange UK and T-Mobile UK, said this enhanced coverage is the first benefit its customers will see.

Everything Everywhere's chief executive Tom Alexander said: "Today’s switch-on is the culmination of a hugely complex technical project."

The switch-on means that when customers lose the signal on their existing network, they will automatically pick up a signal from the second network, where it is available.

Customers looking to benefit from enhanced coverage must register on the Orange or T-Mobile sites to receive an update to their SIM card.

Asked whether customers' phones would be able to tell which mobile network had the strongest signal, an Everything Everywhere spokesperson said: "We're currently investigating ways to ensure customers get the most from access to T-Mobile and Orange networks."

Initially the company will share its 2G networks to enable customers to keep in touch by call or text. By spring 2011, the company hopes its customers will be able to access both its 3G networks and experience seamless roaming. This will be enabled by an automated switch-over process, and customers' devices will opt for the strongest signal without intervention.

The merger between Orange UK and T-Mobile UK was completed in April, although the second-quarter 2010 financial results showed a 4.8 per cent revenue dip compared with last year, and Everything Everywhere has announced plans to cut 7.5 per cent of its workforce, including 150 IT jobs.

The company has 27 million customers.