EE 4G super-fast mobile data service opens on 30 October

EE, formerly Everything Everywhere, have revealed the launch date for their super-fast 4G mobile data service in the UK. Speedy mobile downloads through the service will kick off on 30 October 2012 for those signing up for a contract on the network.

While there’s still no pricing announced (something that will likely be dependent on the handset contracts are tied to, and almost certainly at a premium over 3G services), EE have revealed the handsets ready to use the 4G connection at launch. The iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE, Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Lumia 820, HTC One XL and the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE will all have 4G contract offerings through EE.

“We are delighted to announce that the official launch of our new customer brand, EE, offering the UK’s first superfast mobile 4G and fibre broadband service, will take place on the 30th October 2012,” said Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE

“This is a significant milestone for the United Kingdom, and for the people and businesses of our country who will now be able to enjoy the huge advantages of superfast 4G technology for the first time.

“We are very proud to be pioneering, innovating and leading our industry in launching 4G for our nation through our new EE brand.”

The first brand in the UK to offer a 4G service, the network will cover 16 cities – a third of the UK population – by the end of the year. EE subsidiaries Orange and T-Mobile, who provide the bulk of EE’s network coverage, are expected to offer 4G plans soon afterwards. Other networks will have to wait until an as-yet-undetermined point in the new year for Ofcom to expand the 4G spectrum to other brands.