Ofcom to investigate EE and Vodafone over network coverage claims
Ofcom has launched investigations into Vodafone and EE over claims the mobile phone giants provided inaccurate information about their data coverage in rural areas.
The regulator said EE, owned by BT Group, may have over-predicted its 3G coverage in rural areas and opened an investigation into the mobile operator.
Ofcom said it had also identified errors in the 4G data information provided by Vodafone, understating the reach of its network in rural areas, launching a separate investigation.
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Mobile phone operators are required to hand Ofcom predictions of data coverage so that the regulator can develop coverage maps to better inform consumers before they choose a provider.
The information also informs Ofcom policy and research, which is widely distributed.
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Ofcom said it aimed gather its evidence on both investigations by the end of the year and provide a further update then.