Orange and T-Mobile team up for calls, but not mobile broadband

Orange mobile phone users will soon be able to connect via T-Mobile’s network when needed, and vice versa, at no extra cost, but the change will not help mobile broadband customers disappointed with the reception in their area.

The two companies merged in July this year, forming a new firm named “Everything Everywhere” with 30 million customers in the UK. Today it announced what it called "the start of the single, biggest improvement of network coverage since the birth of mobile", with customers of both networks able to sign up for access to the other.

"Orange customers will be able to make calls and send texts on the T-Mobile network and T-Mobile customers will be able to do the same using the Orange network", said CEO Tom Alexander.

"This is the first major consumer benefit of the merger between Orange and T-Mobile, and it delivers an unrivalled and unique experience that no other operator can offer", he added.

However, the opening up of networks will not extend to the 3G networks used for mobile internet access until an unspecified date next year.

"Giving customers of one brand access to both networks is a pretty big task" , said a spokesperson. "To get the experience right we’re taking it one step at a time."

"Initially we’ll be sharing our 2G networks to enable our customers to keep in touch by call or text from more places, but sometime next year we’ll also be sharing our 3G networks."

This is a shame, as last year a survey found that six in 10 mobile broadband users felt that the coverage in their area was poor, with three quarters dissatisfied with their service.

Orange or T-Mobile customers wishing to make use of the other phone network need to register at www.t-mobile.co.uk/share or www.orange.co.uk/share.