Vodafone and O2 to launch 4G

Vodafone and O2 have both announced the launch of 4G data networks, set to go live at the end of August.

The companies will join EE in delivering the ultra-fast mobile network, bringing the total number of UK operators offering 4G to three.

London will be the first city to be covered by Vodafone’s 4G, and the service will be rolled out to 12 more cities across the UK in due course.

Vodafone customers will be able to pick 4G plans from 12 August, starting at £26 per month, with data allowances ranging from 1GB to 8GB per month.

Vodafone has already said that it aims to cover 98% of the UK population by 2015. EE currently covers almost 60% of the UK with 4G.

O2 is yet to confirm price plans or detailed mobile broadband options, though the company has suggested that 4G will be available on contracts costing £26 per month and above – similar to Vodafone.