Everything Everywhere Authorized to Offer UK's First LTE Service Ahead of Next iPhone

As noted by The Next Web, UK communications regulator Ofcom today announced that it has awarded permission to carrier Everything Everywhere to begin using its existing 1800 MHz spectrum to offer LTE and WiMAX services beginning on September 11.

In a statement on its website, Ofcom announced that it had approved Everything Everywhere’s request to rebrand its 1800MHz spectrum to deliver 4G services from September 11, 2012, highlighting that as a result it would be able to deliver “significant benefits to consumers, and that there is no material risk that those benefits will be outweighed by a distortion of competition.“

It will take some time for Everything Everywhere, which currently operates the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK, to roll out the service, but a number of of observers have already pointed out that the effective date comes just one day prior to Apple's all-but-confirmed media event to introduce the next-generation iPhone.

everything everywhere logo
The current-generation iPad only supports LTE over 700 MHz and 2100 MHz frequencies, and Apple will need to support several other frequency bands if it wishes to support LTE service in major markets outside of the existing iPad compatibility in the U.S. and Canada. Just last week, Korean carriers reported that they were talking to Apple about supporting LTE service on their 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.

While Everything Everywhere is undoubtedly pleased by Ofcom's ruling giving it early permission to offer LTE service, The Verge notes that the carrier's competitors (Vodafone, Three and O2) are less enthusiastic as they look toward the UK's main auction of 800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands early next year, arguing that Everything Everywhere's advantage will distort the competitive landscape in the UK mobile market.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26

When Will Apple Release iOS 26.2?

Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week. Past Launch Dates Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...
Touchscreen MacBook Feature

Here Are the Four MacBooks Apple Is Expected to Launch Next Year

Monday December 1, 2025 5:00 am PST by
2026 could be a bumper year for Apple's Mac lineup, with the company expected to announce as many as four separate MacBook launches. Rumors suggest Apple will court both ends of the consumer spectrum, with more affordable options for students and feature-rich premium lines for users that seek the highest specifications from a laptop. Below is a breakdown of what we're expecting over the next ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
iOS 26

What to Expect From Apple This December: iOS 26.3 Beta, Replay 2025, and More

Monday December 1, 2025 8:40 am PST by
The calendar has turned to December, and the quieter year-end holiday season is now upon us. Nevertheless, we can still expect a few things from Apple this month. Apple previously announced that iOS 26.2 will be released to the general public in December, and we can expect corresponding updates to be released as well, including iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS...
ios 18 to ios 26 upgrade

Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26

Tuesday December 2, 2025 11:09 am PST by
Apple is encouraging iPhone users who are still running iOS 18 to upgrade to iOS 26 by making the iOS 26 software upgrade option more prominent. Since iOS 26 launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app. iOS 18 has been the default operating system option, and users running iOS 18 have seen iOS 18...

Top Rated Comments

ciociosan Avatar
173 months ago
This is great for the UK. But other countries already have functioning 4G networks. I just hope Apple gets it's **** together and finds a way to include compatibility for more than just the US this time around.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coziosco Avatar
173 months ago
Trial

Hi all,

Thought it would be worth mentioning I've been on the 4G trial up in the hills of Threlkeld in the Lake District for 6 or so weeks now and can only report good things.

I'm getting consistent 20-30Mbps download and usually above 10-15Mbps upload speeds with around a 50ms ping. This is using a simcard wifi router in the living room not quite in line of sight of the mast.

I've also been playing with a 4G mifi type device while wandering about town and have never dropped below 7Mbps download speed anywhere within range of the mast, usually getting consistent 10-15Mbps upload everywhere. Other triallists in the area all appear to be getting the same kind of speed.

Connection quality throughout the trial has been excellent, I'm very happy with it!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kebabselector Avatar
173 months ago
tethering.....at the moment you have to pay extra on O2 for this service.

I don't pay any extra for tethering on 02, it's included in the normal data bolt on.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ciociosan Avatar
173 months ago
They already did, but the carriers won't let them.

A Dutch company developed a sim cardless digital solution, i.e. you can program the phone to any country's requirements.

The sim card has absolutely nothing to do with the operating frequencies of the 4G chip..
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattydodgy Avatar
173 months ago
Finally, some rumours that I actually care about and have an effect on me! Just hope O2 jump the gun early enough for me not to change carriers... This is great news.

I look forward to the day where I can cancel my broadband/cable and use my iPhone as a personal hotspot for all devices in the house. Running on LTE/4G will certainly be more beneficial than turtle pace Sky.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rmwebs Avatar
173 months ago
Pretty funny that it took this long. After the British dust-up over the 3rd Gen iPad and 4G/LTE support, they are actually getting an actual 4G/LTE provider? :p

How will the Brits ever figure out the choices for themselves? /sarcasm ;)



Ain't sovereignty a beyatch?
I'd take the UK mobile system over the crappy US one any day ;) We've got a set of standards in place meaning you dont need a new phone every time you switch carriers. All our networks operate on the same band for 2G and 3G, you'll probably find that once the EE 1800mhz LTE band goes live we'll see it being licensed out to other networks (most likely Three). I highly doubt we'll ever have the situation the poor US consumers have to deal with though!

----
T-Mobile is also the only UK provider that STILL offers unlimited data (AFAIK). O2 and Vodaphone stopped it long ago.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)