The UK’s first LTE network is operational, with mobile operator O2 commencing trial services in London yesterday.
O2 switched on the first of 25 4G base stations as it kicked off a nine month test of 4G technology in the 2.6GHz band. The sites are all due to be active by end-November, and will cover an area of 40 square km in key areas of the UK capital.
The operator claims the network will offer a data experience rivaling home fiber connections. Up to 1,000 users will trial the service using dongles from Samsung, personal hotspots and handsets from unnamed vendors.
“Our work in London will give us a better understanding of the capabilities of 4G technology and will allow us to explore the superfast benefits it will bring to people and industry across the UK,” Telefonica UK chief Ronan Dunne says.