Three has announced plans to extend its 4G network coverage by switching on a new 800MHz spectrum this September. Dubbed VoLTE (or "Voice over LTE"), the low frequency spectrum will run alongside its existing 3G 2,100MHz and 4G 1,800MHz spectrums to help improve its coverage footprint - namely by getting those 4G bars to finally appear on your smartphone from inside your own home.
At the moment, Three's 4G network only runs data services, so if you want to make a call, you'll automatically fall back onto its 3G network. VoLTE, however, will enable voice services to run on 4G as well, enhancing the quality of your calls while speeding up connection rates and set up times.
Three's Chief Technical Officer Bryn Jones likened the VoLTE service to the thumping bass you might hear from a party down the street. As it's a lower frequency, it can travel much further than standard 4G - up to three times further, according to Jones - allowing it penetrate those hard to reach areas that normal 4G signals simply can't get to.
"Our aim is to keep our customers connected wherever they are," said Jones. "Adding low frequency spectrum to our network and enabling voice calls over 4G and Wi-Fi, will mean Three customers can stay connected in more places than ever before.
"With roaming at no extra cost also available in 18 destinations, Three is doing more than any other network to give our customers a reliable, quality experience wherever they are."
Three expects more than 1 million customers to start using VoLTE by the end of the year, and estimates that 3.2 million homes will be able to benefit from VoLTE in 2016. However, there is a slight catch. You need a compatible phone in order to use it, so any handset more than two years old is unlikely to support it, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Three assured us almost all the major flagship phones this year will be able to support the service when it's switched on, such as the Samsung Galaxy S6, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as last year's Samsung Galaxy S5 after a firmware update. However, older handset owners will need to check their phone to see if it's compatible.
Three wouldn't be drawn on whether O2 customers would eventually be getting its VoLTE service when its on-going buyout eventually goes through, but if the takeover was successful, we wouldn't be surprised if VoLTE became available across its entire network, O2 customers included.