O2 and Vodafone have forged a partnership to speed up the implementation of 4G network connectivity in the UK, a project that pits them against Everything Everywhere.

Both UK mobile network providers currently ride on a network sharing agreement to build “one grid, two networks” and ensure a faster and more comprehensive installation of 4G mobile services. According to O2, its stretched out collaboration with Vodafone will provide 4G connectivity to 98 percent of the population five years from now.

The shared grid will have 18,500 sites and intends to deliver 2G and 3G network connectivity to 98 percent of the country by 2015.

“Exceptional customer demand for the mobile internet has challenged the mobile industry to consider innovative solutions to building a nationwide network that will be fit for our customers in the future and support the products and services that will truly make Britain digital,” said Ronan Dunne, CEO of O2 parent company Telefonica UK.

“This partnership will close the digital divide for millions of people across the country and power the next phase of the smartphone revolution,” said Guy Laurence, CEO of Vodafone UK. “This partnership will improve the service that customers receive today and give Britain the 4G networks that it will need tomorrow.”

O2 and Vodafone team up for faster 4G rollout in the UK. (Image: DeclanTM, via Flickr / CC)

About Francis Rey Balolong

A coffee junkie who spends most of his time writing about the latest news on social media and mobile technology. I would definitely consider myself a nerd (in the coolest most hipster way possible). That being said, I love technology, music, writing, and all things mobile. Follow me: Google+ Twitter

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