O2 and Vodafone actually share cell towers on 4G - Project Beacon

redfox05

I don't understand why there's not that much information about this online or even mentioned on the MoneySavingExpert Blogs, but if you are comparing networks, it is worth taking into account that Vodafone and O2 actually share their 4G masts, so both networks get the best of both worlds.

I tested this myself via ordering O2 and Vodafone PAYG sim cards, and the diagnostic apps on my phone confirmed both network SIMs were using the O2 network mast in my area.

I expected to see some small mention of this on the Mobiles page on MSE at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/piggybacking/

I'm not 100% sure if it applies to 2G and 3G though (Don't think so). I do believe 5G will be shared too though.

For more information, google the term "Project Beacon" which was finished by 2017.

You can also check this link here: https://www.apwireless.co.uk/o2-and-vodafone-mast-sharing-completed-by-the-end-of-2017/#:~:text=Project Beacon, which has been,across a single network grid.&text=This can include increasing your,phone mast on your land.

Hope it's helpful info to some at least!

Neil_Jones

Its a "behind the scenes" thing, it doesn't affect customers and to be honest most people really don't care whether its powered by two companies or powered by hamsters as long as it works.

Anyway it'll be region and location specific - where I am I can't get a Three or Vodafone signal, but I have all the signal I want on o2.

Mister_G

All four mobile networks have been sharing third party masts/towers for sometime now, ever since the early days (1985).

marlot

>>  it is worth taking into account that Vodafone and O2 actually share their 4G masts, so both networks get the best of both worlds.

They share some masts, but not all.

So the information is interesting, but ultimately does not help me.  I cannot get o2 in my house.

nick74

They share some physical mast sites, but do not actually share network signal. So, for example an O2 customer cannot connect to Vodafone's signal and a Vodafone customer cannot connect to O2's signal. 

unforeseen

My local Vodafone mast is shared with Three. (or it could even be the other way around) 

Andy7856

They are sharing structures (towers) not network systems.  Its common practise to lease room on the towers to other companies.   But in theory it could mean  O2 come along and put up an antenna a lot quicker than building a new site.

redfox05

Interesting to hear people say they don't think its all the masts. From reading about Project Beacon, it sounded like all masts for 4G. So im not saying its going to work for 2G and 3G, but for example in my area, on Plusnet I could not get a good signal at all, but on O2 and Vodafone sims, I could get a great signal, which according to the diagnostic apps, was using the same O2 tower.

Appreciate that some people pointed out its sharing masts not network, fair enough, its not like T-Mobile and Orange joining together to form EE, so this will impacts speeds and congestion maybe, but in terms of coverage, its great news, and makes a huge difference.

Its a "behind the scenes" thing, it doesn't affect customers and to be honest most people really don't care whether its powered by two companies or powered by hamsters as long as it works.

I'd say it definitely does affect customers, it means you might be able to have a 4G signal where you normally would not be able to if the other network it shares masts with does. Makes a huge difference in my area anyway, and hopefully useful to at least some other people out there.