“A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree."A new era of connectivity has begun," said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree.“A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree.

27 MILLION people in the UK are set to receive a big mobile upgrade for free as Vodafone and Three announce a huge raft of changes for customers.

27 million will benefit from better signal with shared access across both networks at no extra cost, with VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile – which piggyback off the Three and Vodafone network – also set to benefit.

“A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree. “We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK. We will build the UK’s best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately-funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country’s growth ambitions.

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“Benefits for our 27 million mobile customers will start within months, with access to roam across both networks at no extra cost. From big cities to small towns, and everywhere in between, our mission is to build the UK’s best network.”

Bosses are planning to launch trials of space-based satellite mobile network coverage too to eliminate even more “not spots”.

Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I’m delighted that that this huge investment is being made in mobile phone network infrastructure, better connecting people with families, loved ones and work by providing stronger, more widespread 5G coverage.

“Our Spending Review is all about growing our economy and attracting private investment to deliver on our Plan for Change, and it’s fantastic that VodafoneThree has chosen to join us on our mission of national renewal.”

By the end of the year, this will remove a total of 16,500 sq/km of not spots – equivalent to 10x the size of London – with the first sites already having been turned on.

Vodafone and Three, which merged just last week, said it is set to challenge the broadband market by aiming to cover all homes with fibre or fibre-like speeds (blending Vodafone’s full fibre footprint and Three’s Fixed Wireless Access), starting with a new partnership with Community Fibre on top of existing partnerships with CityFibre and Openreach.