Vodafone

3 UK, the UK's smallest mobile operator, said the quality of its 3G network will stop its data-hungry subscribers defecting to rival LTE services before it turns on its own 4G network. The operator expects to launch LTE toward the end of 2013.

Vodafone's new head of social media has been given the go-ahead to boost the operator's brand by using social media as more than a tool for customer service.

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has now published the round-by-round bids made by each operator in the recent LTE spectrum auction. This data provides a unique insight into elements of the bidders' auction strategies.

Executives with the three UK operators involved in mobile payments and marketing joint venture Weve used an appearance at a recent event in London to emphasise to retailers and brands the significance of their startegy. Vodafone UK CEO Guy Laurence said not signing up will be like "not signing the Beatles."

Vodafone said it would be willing to accept a lower debt rating if a good merger or acquisition opportunity arose--a statement that analysts said signals the operator is under no pressure to sell its 45 per cent stake in Verizon Wireless.

The trick in auction design is to encourage sufficient competition among bidders while also ensuring that there are adequate incentives for the operators and their financial backers to build out networks rapidly and on a widespread basis.