MOBILE phone users in Nottingham will be able to benefit from a new high-speed internet service from tomorrow.
Network EE will be bringing its 4G mobile service to the city in a second wave of improvements that are taking place in selected locations across the UK.
The new mobile technology was first launched on October 30.
Nottingham businesses and residents on the network will be able to access mobile speeds typically five times faster than the existing 3G technology.
EE is the company that runs the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK, and the new 4G brand.
George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the move.
He said: "4G technology will benefit both businesses and consumers alike, so it's good to see that Nottingham is in the second wave of cities to get this important new technology.
"In an increasingly global economy, having access to high-speed broadband is absolutely crucial to the future development, growth and success of our businesses.
"Not only will it help local firms stay connected with their customers and counterparts around the world, but will also be a major selling point for businesses and organisations looking to relocate to the East Midlands."
The move to faster internet speeds has also been welcomed by local residents.
Katie Norton, 22, of Woodthorpe, said: "I'm on Orange and I didn't know this was happening, which is odd. But I do think faster internet is a good thing for the city."
James Clark, 29, who lives in the city centre, said: "It is a bit annoying at the minute with the change-over.
"I'm on Orange and since my phone changed to EE the service has been on and off. But I guess faster speed is good – it just depends how much you use it."
Oliver Slack, 22, of Ilkeston, said: "I think 4G will be a good thing for the future, but you never know how fast it will be because there is always the odd hitch."
Joe Thompson, 24, of Mapperley, said: "I don't have a mobile phone but I guess faster internet will benefit a lot of people, so it should be a good thing."
Dan Russell, 23, of Mapperley Park, said he was looking forward to being able to access 4G.
He said: "I'm a journalist so my phone is really important for me with keeping up to date with the news and Twitter. I haven't got 4G at the moment but when I upgrade I might swap to EE if 4G is all it is cracked up to be."
EE is investing £5.6 million in its network in Nottingham.
All five Orange and T-Mobile stores in the city have had a full store refurbishment to become EE stores, offering services from Orange, T-Mobile and EE.
Customers who joined Orange or T-Mobile after the launch of EE and purchased a 4G-ready handset can upgrade at no cost, and customers who joined Orange or T-Mobile in the last six months may be eligible by swapping their current contract and phone for a super-fast 4GEE handset and plan for a £99 flat fee – provided they have a Samsung Galaxy S3, iPhone 4S or the HTC One X – by December 31.
What do you think about the faster 4G service? Tell us what you think by e-mailing newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.
