According to Three, a new partnership with cloud communications provider Pareteum will help secure the UK mobile wholesale market as it moves towards 5G.
The multi-million pound long-term deal will support Three's pursuit of growth, as well as IoT, while allowing Pareteum to expand its reach in the UK.
More specifically, this agreement will allow the launch of new brands of mobile services and IoT in 3G, 4G and 5G infrastructures.
Three MVNOs
"This is an important milestone for Three Wholesale and a vote of confidence in our network," said Darren King, Three's head of wholesale development. "We are really excited about this partnership. We have high growth ambitions in the IoT and corporate communications markets, and Pareteum offers global reach and proven capabilities."
Three were relatively late in the MVNO market, but wholesale subscribers now account for more than one-tenth of the 11,7 million who use their infrastructure. MVNO partners include Dixons Carphone's iD Mobile, Superdrug (also owned by Three's parent company CK Hutchison), and Three's in-house SMARTY operator, no frills.
However, Three estimates that the additional capacity offered by its 5G spectrum holdings will give it a decisive advantage in securing the number of MVNO customers. Three is also undergoing a transformation program that has allowed them to carry out an IT upgrade and implement a new cloud-based core network.
In addition, CK Hutchison has created a global digital unit to identify and create new services in the various companies under its control.