Vodafone closes analogue network

The analogue cellular network, the telephony system which kick-started the UK mobile boom, will be consigned to history in a little over six weeks.

The analogue cellular network, the telephony system which kick-started the UK mobile boom, will be consigned to history in a little over six weeks.

Vodafone's analogue network, the UK's first, will go offline on 31 May to free up the radio spectrum for its digital network. BT Cellnet, the other analogue operator, closed its network in October last year.

Remaining analogue customers will need new handsets to use the existing digital network. Vodafone has informed telecoms watchdog Oftel of its intentions, and the regulator has said that provisions must be made for a smooth transition of existing customers to the digital network.

"We have sent letters and information as well as telephoning our customers. If any customer using the analogue network makes a call they are being routed to our helpdesk to make them aware of the change," said Corinne Norris, a spokeswoman for Vodafone. The company claims that it has tried to avert problems before they happen.

Last year Vodafone paid £4.92bn for a licence to operate third-generation mobile and data services. In comparison, the analogue licence cost it nothing.