After much delay and deliberation, the mobile giant 02 has finally started it’s first large scale testing of next generation ’4G’ LTE ( Long Term Evolution) mobile networks in the capital, London. This trial will pave the way for mass adoption of 4G mobile broadband in the UK, allowing much faster data transfers, ( at least 10 times faster that current 3G speeds)
Although LTE does not initially qualify as a true 4G technology (officially it’s 3.9G), it’s likely that the marketing channels will use the 4G moniker to refer to this new generation of mobile networks, which will eventually replace 3G.
This is an extension of earlier trials in Slough earlier this year. During the 9 -month testing period, participants will be given Samsung B3730 mobile broadband dongles which theoretically can support 100 Mbps. However, the 2.6GHz technology when it is fully up and running will be able to rival the speeds of the fastest current fibre networks, up to 150Mbps.
Several organisations are taking part including the department store John Lewis, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and some small businesses.
The London trials cover a 40 km square area in the heart of the city and are designed to fully explore the capabilities of a high speed network in a dense urban sprawl such as London.The area extends, not surprisingly from the landmark 02 Arena in North Greenwich, and over to the financial district of Canary Wharf. It also covers other important regions includingWestminster, Soho, Kings Cross and Paddington.
Areas covered by the new LTE O2 trials in London
LTE allows a much greater bandwidth, so users will be able to make high quality video calls on the move and stream HD video straight from their mobile devices. Although this is an exciting development for mobile broadband in the UK, we are still lagging by several years compared to other parts of Europe. Sweden and Norway have enjoyed 100Mbps LTE speeds since 2009. A fully commercial 4G offering in the UK is not realistic until 2013 at the earliest.
Sources:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2011/11/14/o2-turns-on-london-4g-trial-40094406/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15717913
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Exciting times, although slightly surprised that O2 are leading the way here.