Mobile retailer Phones 4u has announced plans to launch its own mobile service, LIFE Mobile, which will begin operating in March this year.
The mobile virtual network will initially run on EE's existing 3G network, with plans to roll out a 4G service later this year. The deal means Phones 4u will use the same phone masts and operational infrastructure as the EE network.
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LIFE Mobile will offer customers tariffs and services including voice and data packages as standard, although as of yet there's no information about prices.
"The launch of LIFE Mobile is a very significant step for the Phones 4u business," said Tim Whiting, group chief executive for Phones 4u.
"We are delighted to be extending our longstanding partnership with EE in order to add LIFE Mobile to the extensive range of products and services available at Phones 4u."
Whiting added that the service will give Phones 4u customers - both on the high street and online - more choice when it comes to owning a smartphone.
"Our customers see their mobile devices as an integral part of their daily lives. LIFE Mobile will enable us flexibility and creativity in designing propositions to give our customers even further choice.
"We will sell both 3G, and later in 2013, 4G LIFE Mobile tariffs alongside our existing network propositions and are confident the new network will play a key role in driving further growth for our business," he concluded.
The firm plans to reveal full information about tariffs and services on LIFE Mobile in the near future.
EE is currently the only mobile operator in the UK to provide a 4G service. Other operators including BT, Vodafone, O2 and Three have been named as bidders in an auction of bandwidth due to take place this month.
Licences are scheduled to be granted to the winners in March, with 4G services expected to begin in May or June.
