Member Article

4G Lands on the streets of Newcastle

EE today officially launched its superfast 4G mobile service in Newcastle, following a multi-million pound investment in the region.

4GEE offers Newcastle businesses and residents mobile speeds typically five times faster than 3G, as well as new Fibre Broadband services.

Newcastle was selected as part of the second wave of cities to benefit from the new superfast mobile technology since the launch of the service on 30th October, and is the first town or city in the North East to receive 4G.

EE is the first company in the UK to provide 4G mobile services, as well as Fibre Broadband, and runs the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK, as well as the new superfast 4GEE brand.

EE recently conducted research which revealed Newcastle to be the city where the highest proportion of businesses indicated that they will introduce 4G when available (85%). 89% of local businesses also said the new technology would enable them to increase mobile working.

Mick Wilson, regional manager for EE in Newcastle, said: “The launch has been an amazing success in Newcastle- better than we imagined. There’s lots of enthusiasm for 4GEE not just from people in Newcastle, but also from those living in surrounding areas- such as Sunderland and Durham- where roll-out will continue in the coming months. “

EE has invested £3.2 million in its network in Newcastle with all five Orange and T-Mobile stores undergoing full store refurbishments to become EE stores, offering services from Orange, T-Mobile and EE. The roll-out will continue across the North over the coming year and could benefit those people living in more rural areas currently underserved by broadband.

Policy advisor for the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Mark Stephenson, added: “Digital communications will become as important as our roads, railways and air connections for linking businesses to customers. The North East generally enjoys excellent connectivity and this will only improve with the arrival of 4G. It is fantastic that Newcastle has been selected as one of the first cities to benefit from the 4G roll-out and I urge businesses to make full use of the superfast mobile service.”

Alan Foster runs Design 365, a web marketing company currently based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. Early next year he plans to open another office in Newcastle city centre thanks to his company’s growth and the launch of 4G in the city.

Alan said: “4G brings with it great options for businesses of all sizes and is a real boost for the region’s economy. Being able to work remotely and host video conferencing quickly and easily is a huge benefit and could save a lot of money in unnecessary travel costs.

“As a web marketing company, like many other businesses, we rely heavily on being able to provide superfast results for our customers - often while on the move. 4G will allow us to enhance this when we launch in Newcastle, and played an important part in our decision to open an office here.”

EE is the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, providing mobile and fixed line services to 27 million customers, and is the first company in the UK providing 4G mobile services, as well as Fibre Broadband.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .