Three gearing up for 4G trials in 2012

There are many advantages that come with 4G technology. It’s not really a surprise that various operators are looking into it. Most companies conduct trials before launching the service over the intended coverage area.

For example, Everything Everywhere and BT Broadband worked with one another to test out 4G in Cornwall. In the press release announcing the 4G trial earlier this year, Everything Everywhere’s Tom Alexander stated: “We strongly believe that, by sharing our network and mobile assets in this way, we can make a valuable contribution to the economics of rural broadband services. Our work with BT is providing a test bed for new technologies such as 4G LTE which, with the correct allocation of sub 1GHz spectrum from the Government, has the potential to make a real impact on the way in which we communicate in the future. The Government has previously stated its desire for the UK to have the best in class superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015, and we hope to help this vision become a reality.”

As a result of the trial, Everything Everywhere has pledged £1.5 billion for 3G and 4G upgrades in their networks. Everything Everywhere CEO Olaf Swantee stated: “We’re not only demonstrating LTE for mobile, but for fixed purposes as well. It is my belief, and Everything Everywhere’s belief, that the UK needs 4G. Scandanavia, the US, Germany – all of these regions are already deploying 4G. It’s my belief the UK needs to start deploying 4G now.”

Aside from that, UK users who have already gotten their chance at trying out the technology have so far shown a positive response to it.

Another service provider looking to test out 4G is Three UK. The firm announced that they will be holding a one-month trial beginning on March of next year in the Thames Valley. O2 had also conducted their own trial in the same area earlier. Further trials and testing will be conducted afterwards.

Three chief David Dyson said in a statement: “With every major upgrade like this smartphone and tablet customers will find they can enjoy their devices more in more places across the UK. Our ability to provide all-you-can-eat data packages depends on a combination of smart network management, investment in improved technologies and the spectrum that is the lifeblood of mobile.”

Source – ZDNet