Three selects Samsung for 4G infrastructure deployment

But commercialisation for Three's 4G services to begin in 2013

Mobile operator Three has selected South Korean firm Samsung to provide it with LTE radio access network and 3G/LTE core infrastructure solutions to underpin its forthcoming 4G service.

The deal marks Samsung's first mobile network rollout in Europe.

As part of the agreement, Samsung will organise LTE base stations, including all associated systems and network support services across Three's UK network.

Samsung has previously partnered with US mobile operators Sprint and MetroPCS as well as KDDI in Japan to help implement 4G LTE solutions.

Dave Dyson, CEO of Three was upbeat about the partnership.

"Three's customers will start benefitting from this investment in our core network early next year and those benefits will grow further as we deploy new spectrum," he said.

Earlier this week, Three attacked communications regulator Ofcom's decision to allow rival operator Everything Everywhere to use its 2G spectrum to provide 4G services in 2012 before any of its UK competitors.

Three then purchased 2x15MHz of Everything Everywhere's 1800MHz spectrum, in a move that suggested it could join Everything Everywhere in rolling out 4G services before their competitors early next year. However, today's deal suggests that the solution will be trialled this year but is geared towards full deployment and commercialisation in 2013.

This may be because Ofcom and the European Commission are to review the divestment within the next three months.