O2’s 4G network launches in five more cities

Mobile network operator O2 has announced the roll-out of high-speed 4G mobile broadband in five cities across the UK today, bringing the total to eight.

The network will go live tomorrow in Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield, adding to existing coverage in London, Leeds and Bradford.

Since the network was launched a month ago, O2 says more than 9.5 million people now have the ability to access 4G, which delivers speeds more comparable to home-based broadband than 3G mobile internet.

The UK’s growing number of tech businesses are set to benefit from the launch, as the higher speeds could allow for more efficient mobile working and streaming of content.

O2 has also announced that five more cities will receive coverage by the end of 2013.

4G tariffs operated by the network start at £26 a month.

Ronan Dunne, chief executive of O2, said: “We’re excited to be bringing our 4G network to five new cities. Digital connectivity will be made ubiquitous by 4G and become the oxygen of modern life. It is our intention to use 4G to inspire the nation through the possibilities of technology.

“The full potential of 4G is as yet unexplored, but what we can be sure of is that it will allow for a whole new world of opportunity that people are now ready for. Over half of our customers say they use more data than two years ago, as can be seen by the 79% increase in Coventry alone over the last 12 months. Given this trend, there is no doubt that 4G will transform our lives, be it as consumers, in business or through public sector services.”