UK mobile operator EE to bring 60 Mbps speeds to 90% of users by 2017

The UK's largest mobile network operator, EE, plans to bring double-speed 4G to 90 per cent of the population by 2017, while users in 20 of the UK's busiest cities would get 150Mbps mobile speeds, The Inquirer reported.

EE announced yesterday that the firm would invest £1.5 billion at improving its 4G coverage over the next two years, targeted at 99 per cent of the population by 2017.

The firm's double-speed 4G, would deliver average speeds of 60Mbps, to 90 per cent of UK population.

Meanwhile, EE double-speed 4G service with a speed of 80Mbps is already available in a number of UK cities.

Furthermore, EE would bring 4G+, which could offer speeds up to 150Mbps, to "20 of the UK's busiest cities" by 2017, of which London, last year was a limited rollout.

According to EE chief executive Olaf Swantee, the UK had once again emerged as a leader in global communications thanks to the revolution of the mobile landscape.

Meanwhile, siliconrepublic.com reported that the plan included a rural investment programme aimed at boosting voice and data quality to 90 per cent of the UK's geography.

The company also plans to make the UK a leader in 5G mobile technology through a multi-year programme.

According to EE, with investments in innovation and new technologies it would be possible to connect every home in the UK and get rid of wireless ''not spots'' where network coverage was not available.

Swantee said in a press release, ''Stage one of our Network strategy saw us overhaul UK mobile networks, launching 4G and changing the way people and businesses use their smart devices. This revolution of the mobile landscape has made the UK a leader in global communications once again.''

''Today we're announcing the next stage with a commitment to, once again, radically improve mobile coverage, this time with a strong focus on rural UK, all while continuing to increase speeds and capacity with deeper coverage in more cities.

''Smart devices are playing an ever-increasing part in our customers' lives in every part of the UK. With the £1.5bn investment plan, and our unceasing desire to continually improve the breadth and performance of our network, we are at the forefront of the new mobile era that is changing customers lives every day.''