Member Article

4G needed to boost UK economy

If a UK rollout of 4G technology is not properly implemented, British businesses are at risk of falling behind international rivals, according to a recent report.

Research commissioned by mobile network Everything Everywhere showed at 93% of businesses want 4G to be rolled out as soon as possible to ensure that the UK can remain competitive and protect jobs.

86% of bosses questioned felt that technology would increase their firm’s productivity.

Commenting on the survey, Martin Stiven vice president of Everything Everywhere’s business division said: “In today’s global economy, UK businesses need 4G networks to help them be more productive and compete on the international stage.

4G coverage in the UK is available, although coverage is poor in some areas. This has been attributed to a lack of coherence between big mobile phone companies, who are unable to agree on when to commence selling the technology.

Later this year an auction is due to take place for the spectrum needed to carry 4G.

The Federation of Small Business has expressed concerns that slow broadband in rural areas is creating a digital divide between businesses in different areas, and is calling for full coverage to be implemented by 2015.

The research by Everything Everywhere also indicated that 72% of business people use mobile internet on a daily basis for work purposes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .