Telecoms regulator Ofcom has allowed Everything Everywhere, the owner of the Orange and T-Mobile networks, to use its existing bandwidth to launch fourth-generation (4G) mobile services. They will be allowed to offer 4G services from 11th September 2012.
“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“- Everything Everywhere
Ofcom has issued Everything Everywhere with licenses to use what are called Long-Term Evolution (LTE) services. This is one of a number of broadband technologies that allow the transfer of high-bandwidth data such as video streaming and mapping services.
What is 4G?
4G is the Fourth Generation of wireless technology and will eventually supersede the current 3G technology that drives our 3G smartphones and tablets.
3G technology has been established in the UK since 2003 when the 5 major UK mobile phone operators paid 22.4 Billion pounds to buy the necessary 3G frequency spectrum. 3G technology has evolved into a few forms but generally it is accepted that 3G network speeds provided by the UK mobile phone operators hit around a 3.5Mbps download speed. Because the UK 4G frequency spectrum auction has been delayed, the mobile operators have been busy getting the maximum 3G download speeds from their the existing 3G mobile networks.
What benefits will 4G bring?
• Access the web on the go without waiting
• Download high-definition movies in minutes
• Watch live TV on the move without buffering
• Play live multiplayer games on the go
• Download large email attachments quicker than ever
• Make high quality video calls on the move
How will existing Orange and T-Mobile customers get 4G?
Orange and T-Mobile customers will continue to benefit from the best 3G and 2G mobile network.
It means that from today – and over the coming months – customers using Orange and T-Mobile will begin to see their phone signal indicator change to EE, whether they are on 3G or 2G, showing that they are on the UK’s biggest and best network. This is at no extra cost and there are no changes to their existing price plans. Orange and T-Mobile plans will continue to be offered to new and existing customers, and Orange and T-Mobile customers will also be among the first to have the opportunity to access 4G through a move to the new EE customer brand.
For more information, please contact the your Spectrum Account Manager on 0844 856 3301.
