Everything Everywhere, the mobile broadband joint venture from Orange and T-Mobile, has launched a nationwide HSPA+ (3.5G) network, claiming it will provide 50 percent fasterdata speeds for customers.
The nationwide roll out of HSPA+ 21, or 3.5G, has already reached 60 percent of the network, Everything Everywhere said.
According to the company this will be completed in the Autumn of this year 2012 and will deliver an estimated 50 percent increase in data download speeds for Orange and T-Mobile customers.
Everything Everywhere also claimed that this will provide up to 100 percent faster uploads. The company claimed this would make possible HD video streaming on the move. See also: Best broadband deals for 2012.
4G trials in Bristol
Everything Everywhere also announced countrywide trials of 4G technology, with the aim of getting a consumer product on the market by the end of the year. The UK’s first 4G LTE trials over 1800MHz is due to take place in Bristol from April.
The trial will provide Everything Everywhere with key learnings on the performance of 4G LTE over its existing 1800Mhz spectrum in both urban and suburban environments.
The Bristol trial complements Everything Everywhere’s live customer trial of 4G technology over 800MHz spectrum in rural Cornwall, launched in September 2011 and recently extended to July 2012. The Cornwall trial has demonstrated that 800 MHz is optimal for the roll out of 4G LTE in rural areas.
Olaf Swantee, CEO at Everything Everywhere, said: “Everything Everywhere’s vision is to launch 4G for Britain as soon as possible, and the roll out of 3.5G HSPA+ and our 4G trials across Britain are major steps towards delivering on that promise.
“The integration of the Orange and T-Mobile networks has already given our customers the widest 3G coverage in the UK – and I am pleased to say that with our advanced HSPA+ roll out they will also benefit from the fastest.
“I am also very proud to announce that, subject to regulatory approval by the spring, Everything Everywhere will be in a position to begin the roll out of 4G before the end of the year. There is a great opportunity for the UK to have the 21st Century network that it so deserves, putting the nation on a level playing field with other parts of Europe, the USA and Asia.”