Cellular coverage has blanketed the planet these days, especially in developed nations such as the UK. Brits were the first to have 3G networks almost 10 years ago, but now they lag behind much of Europe and the US in terms of 4G mobile UK. This is not simply a case of getting it done, however. The troubles with the roll-out of 4G networks have caused slowing and stopping in the efforts to bring the UK up to speed.
Many people in the UK would like 4G access sooner rather than later. In a poll done where over 2000 adults were asked for their views on the subject, more than 80% of them indicated that they thought 4G coverage should be provided soon. Mentioning reasons like keeping up with competition in other nations, their opinion was fairly clear. Nevertheless, the survey did not mention whether the people surveyed knew about the possible problems that new coverage could bring about.
4G is generally defined as coverage that uses the 800Mhz and 2100Mhz frequency band. 3G networks use a separate frequency. Greater coverage at faster speeds is possible when utilising 4G technologies at 800Mhz. The trouble is that a lot of other devices use the 800Mhz band or bands close by, and any of these could potentially interfere with each other.
One likely problem relates to television signal boosters. If a 4G tower goes in near someone with a television signal amplifier, the signal could be destabilised and that household could fail to get access to free channels. This could have an effect on up to 10% of the population, which is millions of people. Filters that endeavour to inhibit this can be used, but they are not fully effective.
Other possibly impacted services include paid television and digital television, as well. Indeed, as these are paid services people are free to switch to other options. Nevertheless, the companies that own these services are not exactly thrilled with the idea of being compelled to make major alterations or go out of business, so they have been strong voices against rolling out the present incarnation of 4G.
Some sharing of the frequencies has been realised by auctioning off the preferred wavelengths. Companies that have an interest in utilising them put up money to 'own' the rights to that wavelength. Most of the competition for 4G airspace has actually been between mobile providers. Some companies give the appearance of stalling in the hopes that several in-progress court cases will be resolved.
Trials with 4G are in progress in several cities in the UK by a number of large providers. However, they are not using the debated frequencies at this time. The reason that the frequencies are so contested is that they give larger areas of coverage with less towers, and improved penetration of buildings. Therefore, they all want the 'best' frequencies.
It seems that 4G will be coming to the UK, but it sure seems like it's slow getting here. For the moment, the large companies are battling it out in a battle of court dates, auctions and business deals. 4G mobile UK may cause a few short-term problems, but most people are for the introduction, which will offer much better capabilities in the long run.
Many people in the UK would like 4G access sooner rather than later. In a poll done where over 2000 adults were asked for their views on the subject, more than 80% of them indicated that they thought 4G coverage should be provided soon. Mentioning reasons like keeping up with competition in other nations, their opinion was fairly clear. Nevertheless, the survey did not mention whether the people surveyed knew about the possible problems that new coverage could bring about.
4G is generally defined as coverage that uses the 800Mhz and 2100Mhz frequency band. 3G networks use a separate frequency. Greater coverage at faster speeds is possible when utilising 4G technologies at 800Mhz. The trouble is that a lot of other devices use the 800Mhz band or bands close by, and any of these could potentially interfere with each other.
One likely problem relates to television signal boosters. If a 4G tower goes in near someone with a television signal amplifier, the signal could be destabilised and that household could fail to get access to free channels. This could have an effect on up to 10% of the population, which is millions of people. Filters that endeavour to inhibit this can be used, but they are not fully effective.
Other possibly impacted services include paid television and digital television, as well. Indeed, as these are paid services people are free to switch to other options. Nevertheless, the companies that own these services are not exactly thrilled with the idea of being compelled to make major alterations or go out of business, so they have been strong voices against rolling out the present incarnation of 4G.
Some sharing of the frequencies has been realised by auctioning off the preferred wavelengths. Companies that have an interest in utilising them put up money to 'own' the rights to that wavelength. Most of the competition for 4G airspace has actually been between mobile providers. Some companies give the appearance of stalling in the hopes that several in-progress court cases will be resolved.
Trials with 4G are in progress in several cities in the UK by a number of large providers. However, they are not using the debated frequencies at this time. The reason that the frequencies are so contested is that they give larger areas of coverage with less towers, and improved penetration of buildings. Therefore, they all want the 'best' frequencies.
It seems that 4G will be coming to the UK, but it sure seems like it's slow getting here. For the moment, the large companies are battling it out in a battle of court dates, auctions and business deals. 4G mobile UK may cause a few short-term problems, but most people are for the introduction, which will offer much better capabilities in the long run.
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