PCCW set to launch 4G mobile broadband network in UK

PCCW, the reputed Telecom Company of Hong Kong has plans to introduce high speed 4G mobile broadband in the UK shortly. Its subsidiary, UK Broadband, will be able to serve the customers accordingly by 2012. Network operators Vodafone, O2, Everything Everywhere and 3 Mobile want to bid for additional spectrum for providing 4G early next year. The auction is fixed for 2012. But in all probabilities the providers are bound to take more time to arrange set up of the ‘next generation’ mobile broadband. It may be noted that it had taken three more years to have the third generation mobile data service after the sale of 3G spectrum in the year 2000. A significant portion of 3.5 GHz and 3.6 GHz is with PCCW with which it can go ahead with Long-Term Evolution (LTE) mobile brand technology. PCCW had already contacted a number of UK telecom companies, including Virgin Media with respect to utilization of 4G network for the benefit of customers. Virgin Media is silent about this. Nicholas James of UK Broadband informed the press that his company is eager to make a start at the earliest. He is in contact with various vendors and business associates to finalize the network planning. Incidentally, PCCW has written to Ofcom last month, expressing its desire to commence the scheduled work by middle of 2011.