Paving the way for 4G
The latest episode in the 4G saga in the UK is somewhat of a truce between the major networks in the country. EE (made up of T-Mobile and Orange) have, uncharacteristically, joined forces with Three, Vodafone and O2 to ensure the 4G LTE rollout goes smoothly.
Together they have formed a new company called Digital Mobile Spectrum Ltd and have got Ofcom, governmental ministers from the Department for Culture Media and Sport as well as PhonepayPlus, the mobile payments regulator, all on board. This joint venture is designed to speed up 4G in the UK after the set-backs and delays have made the country the laughing stock of Europe in mobile circles.
The peacemaking was headed by the Culture Secretary Maria Miller and, by all reports, the meetings discussion the formation of the company went well. The particular aim of this new cooperative is to minimise any issues with the 800 Mhz band used for 4G interfering with Freeview television broadcasts.
With the prospect of legal action further delaying the 4G rollout now a thing of the past, there seems to be few potential roadblocks remaining that could prevent everything going to plan. Finally, it looks like 4G is just over the horizon for UK consumers who’ve had no choice but to be patient.
What do you think about this? Is this the last hurdle? How soon do you think all mobile networks will be offering 4G in the UK? And whose fault do you think it is that it’s taken so long? Let us know in the comments 🙂
