Mobile operator EE has managed to double its 4G subscriber base in the last year. It also reported that its LTE network covered 95 per cent of the population.
In its last financial update as an independent entity, the operator reported profits of 1.781bn on flat sales of around 6bn. EE was acquired by BT for 12.5bn last year, in a deal that was officially completed last week.
The firm became the first in Europe to boast more than 14m subscribers to its 4G network. The total 4G base doubled in 2015, it claimed. The total number of 4G corporate accounts grew to over 9,100, a rise of 30 per cent year-on-year. It said its postpay churn remained low at 1.1 per cent, and added 141,000 contract customers in the fourth quarter.
The operator said that the award by the UK government of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) contract will see the firm expand its network capability, and through 4G LTE provision, improve the communications capability of the UK's emergency services. The ESN will require new investment and increased operating costs from 2016, with revenues not anticipated to start until the second half of 2017.
EE warned that regulatory pressures are expected to increase through this year, with higher spectrum licence fees as well as reduced roaming rates and mobile termination rates all expected to impact financials from 2016 and beyond.
"2015 was an exceptional year for EE, as we met and exceeded 4G targets, won multiple awards for our network performance, and improved our customer satisfaction scores," said Marc Allera, EE's CEO.
"As part of BT, we're entering the next chapter of EE's journey, and look forward to a phenomenal opportunity to innovate for the benefit of our customers, while continuing to build and enhance the UK's digital infrastructure."
