4G Mobiles 'Will Give UK Economy £75bn Boost'

Rolling out 4G mobile data services in the UK would give the economy a £75bn annual boost by the end of the decade, according to a report.

The research was commissioned by mobile network Everything Everywhere (EE), which is lobbying for the introduction of 4G technology to the UK.

The report found that introducing 4G, which can deliver faster mobile broadband speeds than current 3G services, could add 0.5% to Britain's gross domestic product (GDP) by saving businesses 37 million hours each year waiting for downloads.

EE, the company formed with the merging of T-Mobile and Orange, said other benefits were the predicted investment by 2015 of £5.5bn into the economy by the mobile industry and the creation or safeguarding of 125,000 jobs.

Introducing 4G in Britain would also provide at least 10 million people, who will not be able to get superfast fixed line broadband by the end of decade, with access to the mobile equivalent, according to the findings.

Report author Mark Pragnell, of research consultancy Capital Economics, said: "The near-term £5.5bn private industry investment we project is substantial - and opportune for the wider economy given the recent investment slump."

Olaf Swantee, chief executive of EE, said: "This research highlights the significant economic and social benefits that 4G will bring to the UK - already enjoyed in over 30 countries around the world.

"The UK has the highest levels of smartphone penetration and mobile commerce in Europe, and Britons deserve to have the best infrastructure in place to support this growth."

Earlier this month, EE released YouGov findings which showed that 74% of British adults want to bring 4G to the country as soon as possible.

The survey also showed 82% believe adopting new technology such as 4G networks is vital for Britain to remain competitive and protect jobs.