EE ready to launch 4G network in the UK

At last Everything Everywhere (EE) is going to launch the much awaited 4G network under its new EE brand. EE is the first provider in the UK to launch 4G network and it claims that its customers could access the internet on their tablets and phones, 5 times faster than on the current 3G networks.

The next generation mobile technology is expected to increase the internet speeds of the home broadband. EE claimed that the FreeView TV users won’t be affected by EE’s 4G network since 4G network works on a frequency that doesn’t interfere with Freeview TV signals.

Where will 4G service be available?
According to EE, the network has been turned on in Cardiff, London, Bristol and Birmingham and by Xmas 16 cities including Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh ,across the country would be provided with this service and it is estimated that around 20 million people would be covered by the scheme. The roll out of this new technology will be continued for a couple of years and by 2013 about 70 per cent of the UK population would be covered. The firm expects to cover 98% of the premises by 2014.

According to the license conditions of Ofcom, by the year 2017 the provider has to provide 98% of the UK population with indoor coverage.

According to EE, fibre optic broadband services would also be offered to people in connected areas and the company claims that by the end of the year, 11 million businesses and households would be able to access the network.

4G enabled mobile phones from Nokia, HTC, Samsung and Huawei would be launched by EE to access its network. The latest iPhone that is going to be launched shortly is also expected to have this 4G facility. A 4G dongle and personal wi-fi hotspot are also available from Huawei.

Orange and T-Mobile customers have to satisfy with the existing network as they are not allowed to access the 4G part of the network. According to EE, at some cost they may be permitted to switch over to the new contract and upgrade. Though there won’t be any change in their price plans or any difference to their coverage, the Orange and T-Mobile customers could see the names on their phones change to EE from today onwards.

All other broadband providers in the UK have to wait until next year for launching 4G networks and everything depends on the spectrum Auction of Ofcom.

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