4G Network In The UK – How Soon?

Most people interested in things mobile have probably heard of 4G and for those of you that haven’t, 4G could provide 10x or more faster data transfer speeds than 3G, 4G will make smartphones even more desirable as a means to get online, watch video and stream live video etc.

Unfortunately as we in the UK live with an antiquated mobile network infrastructure, it could be some time before the country as a whole can see the benefits of 4G.

Currently O2 are running a trial in London that will last for nine months with around 1,000 people being given the latest O2 4G technology, this will give them a insight into the future benefits of lightning fast mobile broadband – or a glimpse of what life is like in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and many other countries where 4G is already widely available.

If the trial proves to be successful, it will enable O2 to provide a mobile web product comparable to the fastest landline based home broadband.

Even with trials ongoing, it is still impossible to say 4G is just around the corner in the UK. With the auction for radio spectrums not taking place until next year, there is still a while to go before Ofcom will allow mobile networks to bid for use of the advanced 4G network. Therefore, it will probably be at least 2013 before it is available to the UK business and consumer.

Have you been abroad where 4G is available? Alternatively, are you one of the lucky ones taking part in the o2 trial, or do you just want to share your opinion?  Feel free to share your opinion!

If you want to find out more about 4G technology, here are links to two sites that cover the topic in-depth Superfast 4G Mobile Network / 4G set to deliver capacity gains