3 has reported Orange to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over its claims of having the largest high-speed mobile network.
Orange, which launched the iPhone on its network today, claimed that it has a 3G network covering 93% of the population – but 3 said this claim is misleading and confusing for customers.
3 has been carrying out work across its network recently and is currently working in the London area to improve coverage. It has 9,192 sites in comparison to Orange’s 7,500 3G masts and claims to be adding 150 sites a week.
3 complained that if it applied a ‘different measure’ it would be able to claim 95% coverage and said it would like a third party to measure the level of 3G coverage to provide a ‘realistic’ picture for consumers.
Orange told the Times that it was ‘not how many masts you have’, but ‘where you stick them’.