Cellular coverage has covered the planet now days, especially in developed nations like the UK. The British public were the first to get 3G networks nearly 10 years ago, but now they lag behind much of Europe and the US in terms of 4G mobile UK. This is not simply a matter of getting it done, however. The troubles with the roll-out of 4G networks have lead to stopping and slowing in the efforts to bring Brits up to speed.
When polled, the majority of UK citizens indicated that they desired 4G coverage, and they required it immediately. Although it is unclear from the poll whether the people asked were aware of the problems with the technology, 82% agreed with the urgent creation of more 4G coverage. The reasons they referred to included keeping up with the rest of the world, and competing with international businesses.
Almost all 4G coverage uses the bandwidth at 800 and 2100Mhz. Older technologies like 2G and 3G use different bands. The optimal combination of speed and distance, together with building penetration of signals, is attained at 800Mhz. The trouble with this is that many other technologies also use frequencies around this band, for similar reasons.
One possible issue relates to television signal boosters. If a 4G tower goes in near someone with a television signal amplifier, the signal could be disturbed and that household could lose all access to free channels. This could have an effect on between 3 and 10% of the population, which is millions of people. Filters that attempt to inhibit this can be used, but they are not entirely effective.
Other potentially impacted services include paid television and digital television, as well. Indeed, as these are paid services people are free to switch to other options. However, the companies that run these services are not exactly thrilled with the idea of being forced to make significant modifications or go out of business, so they have been persistent voices against rolling out the current incarnation of 4G.
One of the things suggested and started to be carried out was auctioning off the frequencies. Businesses or companies that sought after using a frequency could acquire the rights to do so. However, a number of of the companies that would be affected have been stalling the process, seemingly confident a court ruling that they can use to their advantage. Many of the participants are mobile providers.
Trials with 4G are in progress in a number of cities in the UK by a number of large providers. Nevertheless, they are not using the discussed frequencies at this time. The reason that the frequencies are so contested is that they provide larger areas of coverage with fewer towers, and penetrate buildings better. Therefore, they all want the 'best' frequencies.
Regrettably, it appears that the UK population will need to be patient for a while longer before 4G mobile UK is rolled out. However, it is seemingly unlikely that nothing will happen, because the concerns that the UK needs to stay up to date with the rest of the developed world are quite real. Regardless of circumstances, a compromise of sorts will be reached, hopefully very soon.
When polled, the majority of UK citizens indicated that they desired 4G coverage, and they required it immediately. Although it is unclear from the poll whether the people asked were aware of the problems with the technology, 82% agreed with the urgent creation of more 4G coverage. The reasons they referred to included keeping up with the rest of the world, and competing with international businesses.
Almost all 4G coverage uses the bandwidth at 800 and 2100Mhz. Older technologies like 2G and 3G use different bands. The optimal combination of speed and distance, together with building penetration of signals, is attained at 800Mhz. The trouble with this is that many other technologies also use frequencies around this band, for similar reasons.
One possible issue relates to television signal boosters. If a 4G tower goes in near someone with a television signal amplifier, the signal could be disturbed and that household could lose all access to free channels. This could have an effect on between 3 and 10% of the population, which is millions of people. Filters that attempt to inhibit this can be used, but they are not entirely effective.
Other potentially impacted services include paid television and digital television, as well. Indeed, as these are paid services people are free to switch to other options. However, the companies that run these services are not exactly thrilled with the idea of being forced to make significant modifications or go out of business, so they have been persistent voices against rolling out the current incarnation of 4G.
One of the things suggested and started to be carried out was auctioning off the frequencies. Businesses or companies that sought after using a frequency could acquire the rights to do so. However, a number of of the companies that would be affected have been stalling the process, seemingly confident a court ruling that they can use to their advantage. Many of the participants are mobile providers.
Trials with 4G are in progress in a number of cities in the UK by a number of large providers. Nevertheless, they are not using the discussed frequencies at this time. The reason that the frequencies are so contested is that they provide larger areas of coverage with fewer towers, and penetrate buildings better. Therefore, they all want the 'best' frequencies.
Regrettably, it appears that the UK population will need to be patient for a while longer before 4G mobile UK is rolled out. However, it is seemingly unlikely that nothing will happen, because the concerns that the UK needs to stay up to date with the rest of the developed world are quite real. Regardless of circumstances, a compromise of sorts will be reached, hopefully very soon.
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