A NEW era for mobile phone use was heralded yesterday as the UK’s largest network operator unveiled plans to launch the country’s first superfast 4G products and services.
Orange and T-Mobile owner Everything Everywhere, which was renamed yesterday as EE, will make the technology available to about 20 million people in 16 cities across the UK, including Newcastle.
The 4G network, which offers speeds up to five times faster than 3G, will be available on HTC, Samsung, Nokia and Huawei devices, as well as one more, which is expected to be Apple’s iPhone 5.
EE’s competitors, including Vodafone, 3 and O2, have threatened legal action over telecom regulator Ofcom’s decision last month to allow EE to launch 4G on its existing network.
EE gave no date when the service would be available, but said it would be by Christmas.
It plans to extend coverage to 70 per cent of the country next year.
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