UK speeds up signals on 5G introduction

Just weeks after the end of the long delayed auction of 4G spectrum, British policy makers are already turning to plans for the next generation of superfast mobile broadband that will be called, inevitably, 5G.

Ofcom, the communications regulator, will this week launch an industry consultation about freeing radio frequencies for 5G internet services many times the speed and capacity of today’s best 4G networks. The early start to 5G planning signals determination by policy makers and industry to avoid the delays that have seen the UK fall behind many other developed countries in rolling out 4G services. It also reflects fears of a future capacity crunch in the airwaves as rapidly growing usage of mobile broadband devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, increases pressure on networks.