VodafoneThree has ramped up its network upgrades to switch on its multi-operator core network (MOCN) technology at more than 600 sites in the UK.

The upgrades are part of VodafoneThree’s £11 billion ($14.83bn) investment program after the Vodafone and Three completed its long-awaited merger in June.

The latest upgrades by VodafoneThree mean that customers will be able to automatically connect to the best coverage available, whether it's Vodafone or Three's network.

According to VodafoneThree, the automatic switch will provide its customers with "improved coverage, reliability, and speed when using 4G and 5G."

Vodafone has even labelled MOCN as the first major mobile benefit of the VodafoneThree merger.

Upgrades have gone live at more than 600 sites so far, though the telco has plans to increase this to more than 9,000 by the end of the first year.

“Bringing our networks together marks a major milestone for VodafoneThree, unlocking greater capacity, reducing 4G not spots, and expanding 5G coverage," said Andrea Donà, chief network officer, VodafoneThree.

“Just weeks into the rollout, millions of customers are already seeing the benefits of a nationwide boost, powered by our spectrum integration and Multi-Operator Core Network technology. It’s a clear signal of VodafoneThree’s ambition and ability to move at pace to deliver a new era of connectivity.”

Providing a further network update post-merger, VodafoneThree said that seven million Three customers have experienced an average 20 percent boost in 4G speeds and 40 percent in some key towns and cities as spectrum has been combined.

At the merger launch event in London in June, the telco outlined how the merger would impact the company's strategy and several brands.

The telco stated that it will continue to operate a multi-brand mobile strategy in consumer with Vodafone, Three, plus MVNOs Voxi, Smarty, and Talkmobile all remaining.

As part of the merger, Vodafone will own 51 percent of the company, while Three will own the remaining 49 percent stake. After three years following completion and subject to certain conditions, Vodafone may acquire Hutchison's stake via a Put and Call option.