Orange and T-Mobile customers can now use each others' phone networks, although broadband subscribers will have to wait longer for enhanced 3G coverage, it has been revealed.

As part of the merger agreement, which earlier this year saw the two broadband providers form the new company Everything Everywhere, convergence of the two individual networks is taking place.

Orange customers can now call and text using T-Mobile's network, and vice-versa, however, the opening up of networks for mobile broadband purposes will not occur until next year.

"Giving customers of one brand access to both networks is a pretty big task," a spokesperson told Computer Active. "To get the experience right we're taking it one step at a time."

"Initially we'll be sharing our 2G networks to enable our customers to keep in touch by call or text from more places, but sometime next year we’ll also be sharing our 3G networks."