4G/LTE has arrived in the UK – at long last !
What is 4G/LTE ?
4G/LTE arrived in the UK in 2012 when Everything Everywhere (EE) launched their 4G/LTE service in October 2012. 4G/LTE is the next step in the evolution of mobile data transmission technology (providing voice, text, web, data, e-mail video and superfast broadband services) and is the successor to the 3G and 3.5G systems currently deployed by cellular networks in the UK.
What’s the current situation with 4G/LTE in the UK ?
In December 2012 7 bidders for the auction of bandwidth for 4G mobile broadband services were named by Ofcom. The bidders are Everything Everywhere, BT, Vodafone, O2 and Three, as well as Hong Kong conglomerate PCCW and UK network supplier MLL Telecom. The auction is due to start in January 2013, with licences granted by March and services launching in May and June.
What does the arrival of 4G/LTE mean for UK consumers and the telecoms industry ?
4G/LTE services will deliver significant benefits to consumers in terms of better, faster and more reliable mobile broadband – Ofcom claim download speeds will initially be at least five to seven times faster than existing 3G networks connections.
For the telecoms industry, 4G/LTE will stimulate investment, growth and innovation in the UK and represents a major opportunity for operators, equipment manufacturers, infrastructure deployment services providers and managed services providers.
The UK’s adoption of 4G/LTE technology could potentially unlock £5.5bn of direct private investment in the infrastructure market and could support 125,000 contractor and permanent jobs. Telecoms providers will have to act swiftly to ensure they offer sufficiently attractive recruitment and retention packages to recruit and retain key skilled staff in a limited resource pool.
How can Ten Live help telecoms providers with recruitment and retention of 4G/LTE staff ?
Ten Live are a global recruitment and resource management solutions provider with a dedicated telecoms resourcing team and many years’ experience of recruiting in the telecoms industry, working with both fixed line and wireless companies in the UK and internationally.
To find out how out more about how Ten Live can assist with your resourcing and retention requirements, please contact Joanne Telfer at Ten Live on 01236 702007 or email: joanne@tenlivegroup.com
Or download our complimentary whitepaper on 4G/LTE here ;