Whilst trials are in progress in certain small areas of the UK, the bad news is that the UK is sadly lagging behind the rest of the developed world when it comes to going live with the LTE 4G networks.

OFCOM are due to auction off bands of spectrum (2.6 GHz and 800 MHz which allows mobile providers to roll out 4G) in 2012. This has been subject to delays though. Initially the auction was due to take place in Q1 of 2012. This then became the 1st half of 2012, and now there are reports that it will be well into late 2012.

It is not just the auction that is holding up the rollout. It is a complex area involving a large number of competition and technical issues. Even if the auction does take place on time, it is highly unlikely that we will see any 4G services until 2013.

One of the main technical issues is that UK digital terrestrial TV services need to be moved onto different frequencies before 4G can truly be launched.

Once 4G if rolled out, it is worth pointing out that you will need a 4G dongle or 4G compatible smartphone to take advantage of the new technology.