Can I get 4G in my area?
4G has now reached the UK. Availability is currently confined to our largest cities but a third of the UK’s population should be able to access the network before the end of 2012 with new areas being brought online in the next few years.
How to check 4GEE coverage
EE has an online tool that lets you check coverage in your area. Click on the link below to launch the tool and then enter your postcode when prompted to do so. You’ll be able to find out the level of EE 4G, 3G and 2G coverage where you live.
Check EE 4G coverage in your area
What is 4G LTE?
4G LTE, or Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution, is the latest innovation in mobile communication to reach British shores. It’s designed to replace the previous 3G standard of transmitting wireless data to deliver faster mobile broadband to UK consumers, with typical speeds expected to be five times faster than before. 4G is a data-only service and voice calls will continue to be carried across the 3G network.
In addition to higher speeds 4G is said to provide a more stable connection, which should prove to be particularly attractive in rural communities that suffer from poor fixed line broadband services.
4G is being marketed in the UK as 4GEE by EE, also known as Everything Everywhere, in partnership with T-Mobile and Orange.
How fast is 4G?
Depending on the location, 4GEE will have a maximum download speed of 40Mbps and estimated typical speeds in the range 8-10Mbps. This will allow you to enjoy richer content on your mobile and download High Definition movies in minutes, watch live streaming TV without any buffering plus make HD video calls – subject to network availability.
Upload speeds will be up to 15Mbps in areas with high signal strength, with typical upload speeds expected to be in the range 5-6Mbps. Latency, or how long it takes for the 4GEE network to respond to a data request from your handset is in the range 60-70ms, which is up to 50% better than with 3G technology.
How can I sign up?
You can sign up by visiting EE's website. There’s a range of tariffs to choose from with different 4G broadband limits, each of which come with unlimited calls and texts. There aren't any 4G pay as you go packages but EE is planning to offer these in the future.
If you’re an existing Orange or T-Mobile customer with a suitable 4G LTE handset, such as the new iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE, you can request migration to the new network. You’ll need to choose an EE 4GEE pay monthly plan and sign a new minimum term contract before you'll be sent a suitable SIM card.
Where is it available?
4GEE mobile broadband is now available in:
- Amersham
- Barnsley
- Belfast
- Bingley
- Birmingham
- Bolton
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Chelmsford
- Chorley
- Coventry
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Dudley
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Harpenden
- Hemel Hempstead
- Hull
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Lichfield
- Liverpool
- London
- Loughborough
- Luton
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Newport
- Nottingham
- Preston
- Reading
- Rotherham
- Sheffield
- Shipley
- Southampton
- Southend-on-Sea
- St Albans
- Stockport
- Sunderland
- Sutton Coldfield
- Telford
- Walsall
- Watford
- West Bromwich
- Wolverhampton
More areas will join the 4GEE network in 2013 which will enable 70% of the UK population to receive 4G LTE services. By the end of 2014 EE intends to provide coverage to 98% of the population.
What equipment will I need?
To access the 4GEE network you’ll need a suitable mobile phone or mobile broadband receiver, a suitable EE package and a 4G SIM card. In the coming years you can expect a lot of new of 4G LTE ready devices to hit the market, but so far EE has released a list of just seven devices that will be available when the network is launched.
Mobile phones:
- Apple iPhone 5 16GB, 32GB & 65GB
- HTC One XL
- Huawei Ascend P1 LTE
- Nokia Lumia 820
- Nokia Lumia 920
- Samsung Galaxy Note SII LTE
- Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE
Mobile broadband equipment:
- Huawei E392 Mobile Broadband stick
- Huawei E589 Mobile WiFi (connects up to five devices)