Despite having just embraced 4G, Ofcom has called out Vodafone as the only network remaining that is failing to live up to its 3G coverage obligations.
EE, Three and O2 all meet the government’s target of reaching 90% of the population, but Vodafone is short of that mark by 1.4 per cent.
However, the network provider has said that it is working to make things right.
"Ofcom is fully aware of our plans to ensure compliance by the end of this year," the firm said in a statement.
"Our network investment stands at more than £900m this year alone and we remain on track to deliver indoor coverage across 2G, 3G and 4G to 98% of the population by 2015, two years ahead of the regulator’s deadline," it added.
In response, Vodafone is now upgrading some of its existing 2G and 3G sites before the end of 2013.
Ofcom said: "Vodafone has put in place a plan to bring itself into compliance with the 3G coverage obligation by the end of 2013. This will involve rolling out 3G to more mobile masts than Vodafone had originally estimated as being necessary. Ofcom has reviewed this plan, and believes it to be credible, but will closely monitor Vodafone’s implementation of the plan."
Industry regulator Ofcom believes Vodafone’s plan is "credible", and has decided to postpone punishment, revaluating the network in January 2014 instead.
"Our 3G licence includes an obligation to cover 90% of the population and Ofcom is fully aware of our plans to ensure compliance by the end of this year," a Vodafone UK spokesperson said.
"Our network investment stands at more than £900m this year alone and we remain on track to deliver indoor coverage across 2G, 3G and 4G to 98% of the population by 2015, two years ahead of the regulator’s deadline."
