Ofcom expects 200 per cent improvement in data capacity on 4G networks

The arrival of 4G networks in the UK in the coming years will deliver capacity gains of over 200 per cent compared to existing 3G networks, according to a report issued by telecoms watchdog Ofcom.

The 4G Capacity Gains report (PDF) said that far greater numbers of smartphone users can be supported as demands for data increase rapidly by exploiting the 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum holdings that will be used for 4G networks.

The increased capacity will also help drive demand for applications such as video streaming, instant messaging, social networking and mapping tools as the speeds on offer from 4G networks start to match those of fixed-line broadband.

Ofcom chief technology officer Stephen Unger explained that 4G networks will help ensure that the growth in smartphone users can be supported by operators, particularly as they increase the efficiency of these networks over time.

"4G mobile technologies will be able to send more information than 3G for a given amount of spectrum. This increased efficiency means that 4G networks will be able to support increased data rates and more users," he said.

"The research indicates that early 4G mobile networks will be 230 per cent more spectrally efficient than today's standard 3G networks. It is anticipated that this efficiency will increase to approximately 450 per cent by 2020."

A spokesperson for Ofcom told V3.co.uk that this increase in efficiency over time is because 4G networks will be more mature than initial rollouts.

"A similar thing has happened with 3G. Earlier versions of the technology were less spectrally efficient than what we have today. Equally, the technology will evolve further before 4G is widely available," the spokesperson said.

However, mobile operators will need to deploy networks as efficiently as possible to ensure these gains.

"The demand for mobile data is anticipated to continue to rise at a significant rate. What the research showed was that meeting this expected growth will require a multifaceted approach," the spokesperson said.

"Increasing the amount of spectrum available through the release of digital dividend spectrum at 800MHz will close the gap, but networks will need to be designed intelligently to ensure the best use of spectrum."

Despite the benefits 4G networks can bring, it is unlikely that the UK will have any 4G networks until 2014 under the timetable for the auctions put out by Ofcom last year.

Most mobile operators appear keen to embrace the technology. O2 is hitting speeds of up to 60Mbit/s at a trial site in Slough and Everything Everywhere has chosen Huawei to future proof its network for 4G upgrades.