A new “super-fast” 4G mobile phone network was launched in London today amid concerns about its cost.
EE, which owns Orange and T-Mobile, said it offered speeds up to five times faster than 3G, making it easier to stream video and games on the move. But the launch was met with users criticising the “rip-off” prices and the data limits on downloads.
4G packages start at £36 a month for 500mb of data - enough to allow two one-hour programmes to be downloaded from the BBC iPlayer. Users must pay top-up charges if they exceed their allowance.
Tim Manson tweeted: “Having a #4G network with a 500mb limit is like having a 3D TV and only being allowed to wear the glasses for an hour a month.”
David Houghton said it would cost him £99 to upgrade from 3G to 4G, in addition to a £10 per month levy and the loss of an unlimited data option. “You’re having a laugh!” he tweeted.
Anthony Wicks tweeted: “500mb? What a rip-off!”
Mobile industry analyst Daniel Gleeson said the need for new customers to sign up to a minimum two-year contract would be a “big hurdle to adoption”.
The EE network’s 4G service is available on the iPhone 5 and HTC, Samsung, Nokia and Huawei devices. Rival operators will be able to launch their own 4G services from next spring.
