EverythingEverywhere is turning up the heat in its bid to launch 4G on refarmed spectrum later this year, with claims the technology will lift the UK’s GDP by $12.2 billion (€9.1 billion) per annum.
The firm predicts the increase – equivalent to 0.5% of the country’s total GDP – will be generated after a decade of 4G use during which time the technology will also open the door to £5.5 billion of direct private investment, and create or protect up to 125,000 jobs in the country. The carrier also talked up the benefits of using 4G in places where fixed broadband isn’t available, forecasting up to 10 million people will gain connectivity.
EverythingEverywhere commissioned research firm Capital Economics to study the financial benefits of 4G, in what looks like an attempt to shore up its bid to launch commercial services by the year-end using its current frequencies.
UK regulator Ofcom caused a storm by revealing it has no objections to the proposal, and opening a consultation on the plan. The consultation runs to May 8.