With Vodafone and O2 launching their respective 4G networks today, specialist retailer Phones 4u has suggested that 4G contracts could become standard within a matter of months.
Despite currently requiring increased data and tariff fees, Phones 4u has predicted that with the right consumer education and prompt network rollouts the high-speed benefits of 4G could soon tempt the majority of new smartphone contract owners to make the move from 3G.
“It depends on the cycle of where people are in their contracts but I would think that
“He added: “If you look at it in terms of the total base of the networks, it will take a lot longer but if you look at the leading edge of people taking on new contracts I think penetration of 4G will be high.”
Discussing the widespread introduction of the UK’s 4G services in more detail, he stated: “There will be an initial phase of education and then consumers will begin to say ‘this is really, really good, I understand the benefits, let’s go for it’.”
Despite EE having been the UK’s only 4G network provider for the better part of a year, today, August 29, has seen O2 and Vodafone jump onto the high-speed bandwagon.
Although playing catch-up, Shorten has suggested that neither network will have issues marking its ground on the 4G scene and both will quickly begin to match EE in terms of service.
“I don’t think they will struggle” the Phones 4u head said of the two 4G newcomers. “When and where O2 and Vodafone roll out will impact what sort of penetration they get but effectively I think that if you look at everyone’s offers in the market place, I think they are all looking very competitive.
He added: “It’s really interesting to see the content deals that are coming through to consumers. It is interesting to see the bandwidth of speed you get as well.”
Read More: Three offers free 4G
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
