Although it hasn't been confirmed that Three intends to use this spectrum for 4G services, it is a possibility that is likely to further anger Vodafone and O2.

EE's 4G network will become available to consumers and businesses in London, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham in the coming weeks, and is expected to launch in 12 more cities - Edinburgh, Belfast, Derby, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Southampton - by Christmas.

Further towns, cities and rural areas will follow rapidly, with 2013 population coverage to reach 70 percent, and 98 percent covered by 2014.