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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Situation in Regard to 4G Mobile UK

By Beau Harrold


The range of cellular towers that offer phone and data is vast now days, blanketing most of the western hemisphere. British citizens were among the first to gain from the new technology of 3G almost 10 years ago, but they are now among the last to gain access to 4G, lagging behind the US and the rest of western Europe. There have been many troubles with 4G mobile UK, which has greatly slowed the scheduled roll-out.

Most people in Great Britain would like 4G coverage sooner rather than later. In a poll done where over 2000 adults were questioned for their views on the subject, more than 80% of them indicated that they believed 4G coverage should be offered soon. Citing reasons like keeping up with competition in other countries, their views were fairly clear. Nevertheless, the survey did not state whether the people surveyed knew about the possible issues that new coverage could lead to.

4G quite simply means 4th generation. Currently, 4G appears to imply the bandwidth at 800 and 2100Mhz frequencies. These are the best frequencies for the purposes of mobile providers. However, the 800Mhz band is considerably better at distance and building penetration than the 2100Mhz band, but is already being used by several other devices.

Up to 10% of all UK households could lose their free television if national 4G coverage was implemented, however. The bandwidth utilised by boosters that bring the signal to millions of households is close enough to that of the new, submitted 4G networks that it may interfere. The mobile companies have pledged to use filters to lessen this interference, but it may still present some issues for some.

Paid television may also be affected in certain occurrences. As these are not free services, the companies would probably adapt and supply the service in another manner. However, the companies that own the rights to offer paid television are unhappy with the idea, and have been leading some severe opposition to the roll-out of 4G in its present form.

Some sharing of the frequencies has been fulfilled by auctioning off the preferred wavelengths. Companies that have an interest in utilising them put up capital to 'own' the rights to that wavelength. A substantial amount of the competition for 4G airspace has been between mobile providers. A few companies seem to be holding back hoping that a number of in-progress court cases will sort things out.

Trials with 4G are in progress in a number of cities in the UK by a number of large providers. Nevertheless, they are not using the discussed frequencies at this time. The reason the frequencies are so contested is that they give greater areas of coverage with less towers, and improved penetration of buildings. Thus, they all want the 'best' frequencies.

It appears that 4G is coming to the UK, but it certainly seems like it's slow getting here. For the moment, the large companies are battling it out in a war of business deals, court dates and auctions. 4G mobile UK may cause a few short-term issues, but most people are for the introduction, which will offer much better capabilities in the long term.




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