Telefonica Germany, which provides fixed and mobile services under the brand O2, has revealed that it has unlocked access to its LTE mobile network for all contract customers with immediate effect. The LTE activation for existing customers of O2 post-paid tariffs will occur automatically and free of charge, enabling customers to benefit from better LTE performance and additional network capacities when using mobile data in 4G coverage areas. Telefonica claims that its 4G network currently covers 60% of Germans, though coverage can reach up to 90% in urban areas.
In October 2014 Telefonica Deutschland announced the completion of its EUR8.55 billion (USD11.9 billion) acquisition of KPN’s German mobile unit E-Plus, creating an operator with almost 47 million customer connections. The deal received final clearance from the European Union (EU) in August 2014 and Telefonica Deutschland subsequently completed a capital increase the following month, paving the way for the conclusion of the transaction.