Everything Everywhere has confirmed that it is ready to roll out 4G later in 2012, subject to regulatory approval by the spring. It has unveiled significant progress in its network integration, with the roll-out of a nationwide 3.5 G HSPA+ network meaning 50 percent faster speeds and improved network performance for T-Mobile and Orange customers. The roll-out of 3.5G technology has already reached 60 percent of the network and will be completed in Q3 2012. In addition to 3.5G HSPA+ 21, trials of HSPA+ 42, which offers significantly faster data transmission than HSPA+ 21, are due to begin in Q2 with a goal to roll out the technology to customers in Q4 2012. The final phase of the 'big switch-on' programme will launch in mid-March and be completed in mid-May. Known as 'Smart Signal Share', this will see a customer's smartphone or dongle always give priority to the best 3G signal from either network and allow seamless transfer between the two. The group has also confirmed new 4G LTE trials over 1,800 MHz in Bristol from April. This will provide key information on the performance of 4G LTE over its existing 1800Mhz spectrum in both urban and suburban environments. The Bristol trial will complement the existing live customer trial of 4G technology using 800 MHz spectrum in Cornwall, which has demonstrated that 800 MHz is optimal for the roll out of 4G LTE in rural areas.
