It looks like 4G LTE may be headed to the UK in the not too distant future as BT and Everything Everywhere have announced that they will start trialling 4G LTE in the UK later this year.
The Trials will start in Cornwall in September 2011, and they will first be testing it out in St Newlyn in South Newquay and 200 mobile phone and landline customers will be part of the trial for both 4G handsets and also 4G dongles.
The trial will take place at test sites south of Newquay in Cornwall, providing a combined coverage area of 25 square kilometres, with approximately 700 premises which have no or limited access to broadband services today. Everything Everywhere will also look to test 4G enabled mobile handsets and broadband dongles as part of the trial.
Significance of 4G LTE Trials
The introduction of 4G LTE technology is a significant milestone for the UK, as it promises to revolutionize the way people connect to the internet. 4G LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, offers much faster data speeds compared to the existing 3G networks. This means that users can enjoy smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and more reliable internet connections. The trials in Cornwall are particularly important because they target areas with limited or no broadband access, potentially transforming the digital landscape for rural communities.
The trial’s focus on both mobile handsets and broadband dongles indicates a comprehensive approach to testing the technology’s capabilities. Mobile handsets will allow users to experience high-speed internet on the go, while broadband dongles can provide a viable alternative to traditional broadband services in homes and businesses. This dual approach ensures that the benefits of 4G LTE can be assessed across different use cases and environments.
Potential Impact on Rural Areas
One of the most exciting aspects of the 4G LTE trials is the potential impact on rural areas. In many parts of the UK, especially in remote and rural locations, access to high-speed internet is still a significant challenge. Traditional broadband infrastructure can be costly and difficult to deploy in these areas, leaving many residents and businesses with subpar internet connections. The 4G LTE trials in Cornwall aim to address this issue by providing a wireless alternative that can deliver high-speed internet without the need for extensive infrastructure.
For example, farmers in rural Cornwall could benefit from improved internet connectivity, allowing them to use modern agricultural technologies that rely on real-time data. Small businesses in these areas could also see a boost in productivity and competitiveness, as they gain access to the same high-speed internet services available in urban centers. Additionally, residents could enjoy better access to online education, healthcare services, and entertainment options, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Hopefully, the trials will go well and we won’t have to wait too much longer to finally get 4G LTE here in the UK. If successful, these trials could pave the way for a nationwide rollout of 4G LTE, bringing high-speed internet to more people and helping to bridge the digital divide.
Source Gizmodo
Image Credit Into Mobile
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