Last updated at 13:11, Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Ofcom has given mobile operator Everything Everywhere the go-ahead to begin providing 4G mobile services following successful trials in Cumbria.

4G allows users to access fast broadband speed over the mobile network, by plugging a dongle into a computer or laptop, for example. 4G is seen as crucial for video, gaming and downloading on your phone.

The system has been tested in the Cumbrian village of Threlkeld since May where 50 residents were able to use 4G.

Among them was James Walker, of Walker Ellis Associates LTD, who said: “Since joining the 4G LTE trial in Threlkeld, we are delighted to be achieving download speeds well in excess of 20 MBPS and upload speeds approaching 20 MBPS.

“As a commercial photography and graphic design business it is vital for us to be able to send large files quickly and reliably.”
Now Ofcom has approved an application by Everything Everywhere, which owns the T-Mobile and Orange networks, to roll-out 4G services.

Ofcom said that the move would deliver “significant” benefits to consumers, which would outweigh any competition concerns.

The regulator said that delaying the availability of 4G, which will allow people to download data five-to-seven times faster than on existing 3G services, would be to the detriment of customers.

The regulator is to auction 4G bandwidth to rival network operators in the year, which will enable them to launch competing services.
Everything Everywhere said that the decision was “great news” for the UK.

“4G will drive investment, employment and innovation and we look forward to making it available later this year, delivering superfast mobile broadband to the UK,” a spokesman said.

The UK is lagging behind in terms of 4G LTE adoption, which has already been rolled out in more than 40 countries including Angola, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

First published at 12:51, Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com