Post Office to ring changes with EE mobile network tie-up
The Post Office plans to become a mobile phone provider this autumn, using EE’s network to offer customers “a genuine alternative” to the major carriers.
The government-owned company said it planned initially to sell mobile services in 50 Post Office branches, online and over the phone before rolling out across the country later in the year.
Martin George, chief commercial officer, said in a statement published today: “Our research tells us that people are seeking greater value, with one in three of those surveyed saying they intended to move away from one of the mainstream providers for their next service. We believe we are in an ideal position to offer a genuine alternative.”
The Post Office will act as a virtual network using EE’s infrastructure, similar to services offered by Tesco, which use O2’s network, and Lebara, which operates through Vodafone’s system.
The venture into mobile services follows a £640m boost from the government, which the Post Office is using to revamp its 11,500 branches nationwide.