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Orange and T-Mobile customers to share 3G signal

Orange and T-Mobile customers are about to get a 3G signal boost, as the two companies begin sharing their data network.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
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Richard Trenholm

Orange and T-Mobile customers are about to get a 3G signal boost, as the two companies begin sharing their data network.

Orange and T-Mobile recently merged to form the confusingly named Everything Everywhere. They're keeping the two separate names, for some reason, but all 27 million customers of the two companies will be able to use each others' network.

During the 'big switch-on' last year, Orange and T-Mobile customers were able to use both networks to make phone calls and send texts. Up until now you've been limited to your own network's 3G coverage, but that will change from next week with the 'big 3G switch-on'.

In theory, that should mean that your 3G coverage improves while you're out and about. The BBC recently discovered that 3G coverage in the UK ain't that great.

There's no charge to use the other network's signal -- you won't even notice it's happening, as your phone automatically connects to whatever signal is available, with the minimum of fuss.

As well as extending the 3G coverage available for customers, Everything Everywhere plans to make improvements to the phone system for calls and text.

The 3G sharing starts next week, and will reach new regions across the UK over the next few months.

Are you an Orange or T-Mobile customer? Has your signal improved since the merger? Are you in a 3G blackspot and can't wait for some extra signal-sharing? Signal your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page.