Phones 4u is set to become the UKs newest mobile operator when LIFE Mobile launches in March. The mobile virtual network will initially be available on EE’s 3G network, with plans to offer 4G later this year. It will be available on a variety of tariffs in more than 680 Phones 4u stores, over the phone and online.

Despite adverse trading conditions for many stores on the high street, Phones 4u opened 100 more outlets during 2012. Sales for the year were up 20.7 per cent, record year-on-year growth, with online increasing 73.2 per cent.

December sales were up 23.3 per cent compared with the same time in 2011, totalling £121.6m, with online revenues increasing 47.3 per cent. Contract sales delivered the majority of growth, increasing 34.8 per cent between December 2011 and 2012, and up 26.8 per cent for the full year.

“LIFE Mobile will enable us flexibility and creativity in designing propositions to give our customers even further choice,” said Tim Whiting, group chief executive. “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.”