UK number-one EE has outlined its plans to upgrade the Orange and T-Mobile 2G and 3G networks in Northern Ireland, as part of a £25 million investment programme.

The 2G and 3G upgrade will extend coverage to 94 percent of the population by April, with customers able to access its fastest 3G services.

The company also switched on its 4G network in Belfast on Christmas Day, boosting mobile broadband speeds available to customers in the city.

Enterprise Minister for Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, said the launch of 4G services is positive news for Northern Ireland.

“My department recognises the importance of digital infrastructure in the development of the economy in Northern Ireland. Consumers and businesses will also benefit from EE’s major 2G and 3G network investment and upgrade plans that will deliver a faster, more reliable network for much of Northern Ireland by spring 2013,” she said.

EE said it aims to minimise disruption to customers, but warned that the upgrade programme “is likely to result in occasional and sporadic network outages for a small amount of customers” as mobile masts are upgraded.

The loss of mobile service could last between 12 and 48 hours.