The UK’s first mainstream 4G mobile service may launch later this year, says Ofcom. The new network would deliver broadband style speeds across the air, allowing for mobile devices to deliver services instantly.
‘The mobile phone operator Everything Everywhere has submitted an application to Ofcom to use its existing spectrum to deliver 4G services,’ Ofcom said.
It says it does not believe the move by the owner of the Orange and T-Mobile networks would distort competition, but other parties have been given 4 weeks to submit their views about the proposed change.
Ofcom had previously warned that next-generation 4G services wouldn’t be rolled-out until 2013/14 following a planned auction of 800MHz and 2.6GHz frequencies. These include parts of the spectrum
Vodafone have signalled that they might challenge the move.
O2 have been carrying out a limited 4G data trial in London, while BT and Everything Everywhere have fitted 4G wireless routers to selected homes in Cornwall, giving volunteers chance to enjoy faster download speeds.
What is 4G and what will it do for me?
4G is the fourth generation of mobile communications, it’s the successor to current mobile networks known as 3G (third generation). You’ll be able to do everything you currently do on a 3G network but much faster, it has the potential to be insanely fast. With 4G you can potentially get speeds up to ten megabits per second, which is up to 6x faster than 3G.
4G data can move faster and can to more people.
