The UK is currently undergoing the digital switchover as the nation’s TV signals are moved from analogue to digital. As each part of the country is switched over, this free’s up space on the 800mhz spectrum which mobile phone networks are hoping to jump on to provide super fast wireless 4G LTE broadband.

The Trial is taking place in Newquay, Cornwall and hopes to provide fast internet access to those currently in blackspots unable to get any form of broadband. The trial is supported by Nokia, Huawei, Siemens and the Cornwall Development Company who hope to kick it off in September this year.

If everything goes well and the networks win auctions for the 800mhz spectrum we could see a fully established LTE 4G network across the UK around 2014. We are already playing catch up with the likes of Germany, Sweden and Japan who all have public 4G networks.

Trial participants will be provided a modified 4G router or 4G dongles for laptops etc.

You can sign up to the trial via this website. If you get accepted please get in touch and let us know how it goes!

4G LTE Wireless Broadband Trials Begin In The UK was originally posted on the Sim-Mobile.co.uk Mobile Phone blog.

The deal is currently under review by the regulatory authorities which should be completed in the first half of 2010

Orange & T-Mobile Joint Venture

Timotheus Höttges, Deutsche Telekom CFO said:

‘This joint venture is based on the full commitment of Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom to a long-term partnership.

‘The negotiations were conducted in a fair way on both sides and I am certain that this spirit of professionalism and partnership will shape the future of our joint venture. It will set new standards as the number one in the UK mobile market.’

It will be interesting to see how this pans out for current customers of both Orange and T-Mobile. And what will the knock on effect be for general consumers? Is this going to reduce competition and encourage industry wide price rises?

Orange And T-Mobile Finalise Merger was originally posted on the Sim-Mobile.co.uk Mobile Phone blog.