4G network extends to 74 UK towns and cities.

EE has announced that it is to roll out their 4G network to a further 12 towns and cities across the UK. The roll out to the new locations, including Oxford, Oldham and Wigan, will bring the number of 4G locations across the UK to 74.

EE, which is currently the only mobile network providing 4G services, started it’s rollout in the UK’s major cities back in October, and is looking to reach 70% of the UK before the end of 2013.

The latest roll out will enable users in these areas to pick up superfast internet speeds through their mobile devices. This will mean that mobile networks will be able to handle internet data more efficiently allowing for faster and more reliable connectivity.

EE has already confirmed that it intended to double the download speed of its 4G service to around 80Mbps: making their mobile internet services significantly faster than the average household broadband service.

The roll out is expected to accelerate further after speculation that the government’s planned relaxation of planning rules could make it easier for the installation of mobile masts to existing buildings; to cope with the increase in demand for broadband services in the UK.

The increase in smart phone usage, complemented with the 4G rollout is changing the way we currently access the internet, with 69% of people now accessing the internet through a mobile device.

EE has said that it aims to have one million customers signed up for its 4G services before the end of 2013 and several other UK Mobile Network Operators are planning to launch their own 4G services following the 4G spectrum auction which concluded in February.