4G data networks to launch this year?

As we’ve covered in recent shows, the next generation high-speed data networks were set to launch in 2013, using space freed up after the Digital Switchover.

It now looks like we could be getting faster mobile Internet way ahead of schedule, in the light of an announcement today by the UK regulators.

Ofcom has today agreed to a request from Everything Everywhere (the company that owns Orange and T-Mobile) to use their existing 1800MHz bandwidth for 4G data.

This means that Everything Everywhere will be able to launch their 4G service way ahead of the competition, and in an announcement today, they’ve confirmed that they will be aiming to launch 4G data services in the UK by the end of the year.

Everything Everywhere is quoted as saying “Ofcom’s decision to make 4G available this year is great news for the UK. Consumers will soon be able to benefit from the much greater mobile speeds that 4G will deliver.”

Both o2 and Vodafone have been vocal in expressing their “disappointment” at Ofcom’s decision, and as we’re all keen to get faster mobile Internet, this massive head-start will be a big blow to o2 and Vodafone, who won’t even be able to start the bidding process for bandwidth until 2013.

We’ll update you as and when we get more news on this announcement…