Virgin Media trials 4G in London
January 23, 2012
Virgin Media has conducted a test of next-generation 4G mobile phone technology using its super-fast fibre network. It is considering launching a nationwide network of wireless transmitters connected to its fibre network to broadcast super-fast mobile services.
A private test of the technology was conducted in December 2011 in Oxford Street in London, using spectrum allocated by Ofcom under a trial licence. Virgin is considering bidding for some of the spectrum set to be auctioned off by the UK government later in 2012. It has also started talks with mobile network operators about joint ventures to use some of their spectrum, with any deal likely to include reciprocal access to its fibre network.
Kevin Baughan, director of wireless at Virgin Media, said that it was interested in working with Wi-Fi as well as licensed spectrum.