BT, Everything Everywhere to trial LTE 4G in UK
updated 11:10 am EDT, Wed May 25, 2011
Remote UK town to trial 4G LTE network
UK wireless providers BT and Everything Everywhere are set to begin an LTE trial and are looking for volunteers in a specific area in the UK. The testing is to occur in South Newquay, UK, a rural area that is expensive to bring wireless services to between September and December. Those who test the technology will be the first to do so in the UK.
A commercial roll-out for the 4G network is planned across the UK in 2014, with providers bidding for use of the spectrum early in 2012. After the auction, a consultation that has already begun and aims to define how the spectrum will be distributed will need to be completed.
The test will use a portion of the 800MHz spectrum, which is now used for analog TV broadcasts. It will determine whether 4G could be a cheaper alternative to providing data access to remote areas without access and not have to lay down cable.
The trial is backed by Nokia, Siemens, Huawei and the Cornwall Development Company.
Volunteers in the St. Newlyn East area of South Newquay can register and, if approved, get the needed hardware. Half of the testers will get modified wireless routers while the other half will get 4G dongles for single devices like notebooks. [via BBC]
