RootMetrics Claim Average EE 4G Mobile Broadband Speeds Hit 17Mbps

A new RootMetrics study of EE’s allegedly faster Mobile Broadband speeds has revealed that just 40.2% of its test locations had access to the 4G (1800MHz) network, yet speeds averaged 17Mbps (Megabits per second) in locations where it was available and 7.6Mbps when only 3G connectivity could be found.

According to the BBC summary, the results are still double the average speed of Vodafone (3.1Mbps), which was identified as the next fastest mobile operator in the area. It should be noted that Vodafone does not yet have a 4G network of its own and is still using slower 3G based HSPA technologies.

Bill Moore, CEO of RootMetrics, said:

“Although EE’s 4G service is much faster than any network currently available in the UK, our testing shows that 4G connections are not consistent even within a nominated area. Customers need to be aware of this as there will be an expectation of blistering fast mobile internet speeds whenever they use their phones.”

In addition the study found that 93% of 4G tests conducted indoors were successful, which compares with 97% for outdoor tests (a good result). Apparently previous tests also found that 46% of all other mobile operators recorded average speeds of 1.5Mbps or less.

EEs RootMetrics Speedtest Breakdown
31% achieved speeds of 10Mbps+
9% speeds of 6-10Mbps
18% speeds of 3-6Mbps
23% speeds of 1.5-3Mbps
19% speeds of less than 1.5Mbps

The fact that EE’s network is not delivering good 4G coverage to all areas within its enabled cities is by no means surprising as mobile operators are notorious for their variable coverage gaps and performance. Indeed the network only went live less than a month ago and is still busy building out its coverage.

EE’s 4G network is currently available to customers within 10 UK cities including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield. The cities of Belfast, Derby, Hull, Nottingham, Newcastle and Southampton will follow by the end of 2012.

Eventually EE’s new the network should reach 98% of UK people by 2014 and by then rival operators will have similar services to offer.