4G set for nationwide roll out in Spring 2013

Orange owner EE is already scheduled to launch super fast 4G services in 16 UK cities within the next few weeks, but its rivals, O2, Vodafone and Three, were not expecting to be able to launch 4G services until the end of 2013. However, all four operators will now be able to launch 4G across Britain much faster than planned, giving customers with smartphones access to the internet up to ten times faster than with the 3G services currently in widespread use. According to regulator Ofcom, the 4G auction process is now on track to begin at the end of the year to enable competitive 4G services across UK during the first half of 2013. "The actions we have taken with industry and government avoids the risk of significant delay and is tremendous news for consumers," said the organisation's chief executive Ed Richards. "Ofcom's objective has always been to release the spectrum as early as possible and we remain focused on starting the auction by the end of the year."