Everything Everywhere and BT test 4G LTE services

High-speed wireless broadband trials planned for Cornwall...

The 4G trials run by BT and Everything Everywhere will test 4G-enabled handsets as well as superfast wireless broadbandPhoto: Shutterstock

BT Wholesale and Everything Everywhere - owner of Orange and T-Mobile, have announced plans to test next-generation 4G LTE services.

The trial will be the first of its kind in the UK and will provide high-speed wireless broadband with download speeds of up to 100Mbps to customers in parts of rural Cornwall.

Everything Everywhere will also test 4G-enabled mobile handsets and broadband dongles as part of the trial.

Starting this September, the pilot scheme will include up to 100 mobile and 100 fixed-line customers living in an area south of Newquay.

The trial covers 25 square kilometres and about 700 premises that currently have no or limited access to broadband services.

CEO of Everything Everywhere, Tom Alexander, said in a statement that the mobile network provider aims to be a pioneer in 4G technology.

"We strongly believe that, by sharing our network and mobile assets in this way, we can make a valuable contribution to the economics of rural broadband services," he said.

Ofcom has begun preparations to run the auction of spectrum that will be made available for 4G networks in 2012.