EE announces that it will double 4G speeds

Commenting on today’s EE announcement that it will double its 4G speeds to an average 20Mbps, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “Super-fast just got even faster. EE was the first to bring 4G to UK mobile users, unleashing the full potential of today’s high tech devices, and today’s announcement sees the provider put more daylight between itself and the competition.

“And with 27% of Brits saying slow 3G browsing is a huge problem for them, today’s news may help cushion the blow of any extra costs for faster 4G. Speeds now more than seven times faster than 3G could convince more mobile users to make the leap to EE – particularly if 4G can price itself to look like a viable alternative to those unable to receive fibre-optic broadband in their areas.

“However, even a faster super-fast service could be a double-edged sword for mobile users. We know that 69% are worried their data bills will rocket with 4G, even though faster browsing should mean that tasks can be done more quickly. EE will need to ensure that entry-level tariffs will be generous enough in their data, or even more compelling in their pricing, to convince consumers to switch.

“It will be interesting to see how things play out when other providers come out of the starting blocks later this year, with impressive top-line speeds likely to become a differentiator for EE. Now that it has raised the bar on speed, others will have to keep up or innovate in other areas – from pricing to services.

“It is also entirely possible that more players in the ring will simply drive down cost – which is still a concern for many – and fuel a 4G price war.”