Phones 4U to launch 4G service in March

Mobile retailer Phones 4U has struck a deal with operator EE to launch its own 4G network in March.

Phones 4U will launch a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) based on EE's infrastructure to offer customers access to 4G services and data tariffs under its LIFE Mobile brand.

The deal marks an extension of Phones 4U's involvement with EE, which has previously seen the firm market the operators' handsets and services to its customers.

We will sell LIFE Mobile alongside our existing network propositions.

In a statement, EE said it has forged 25 MVNO partnerships so far, making it the largest provider of its kind in the UK.

Marc Overton, vice president of wholesale and M2M at EE, said: "By choosing the EE network, Phones 4U will guarantee its customers access to the UK's widest 3G coverage, as well as the UK's only 4G network later in 2013.

"Our ambition is to provide 4G to key industry players by the end of 2013, and we feel this will open up a world of opportunities for both new and existing partners alike."

Tim Whiting, group chief executive at Phones 4U, added: "We will sell LIFE Mobile alongside our existing network propositions and are confident the new network will play a key role in driving further growth for our business."

News of the deal comes less than a week after EE confirmed the closure of 78 of its high street retail outlets.