O2 has met its 3G coverage obligation, Ofcom confirmed today. The operator was criticized earlier this year for not having the 80% population coverage demanded by the 3G license. O2 missed its initial deadline to reach this level of coverage by the end of the year.
Ofcom said it would fine O2 by shortening its 3G license by four months if it failed to reach 80% 3G coverage by the end of June. O2 paid £4bn for the license in 2000, and it is estimated the fine would have cost it £40m.
The other four operators that hold 3G licenses had met this obligation at the end of the year.