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Vodafone is holding back its 4G service until the next iPhone comes along. The network has delayed its planned launch, reportedly in part to coincide with the arrival of the 5S — and has apparently confirmed that 4G will cost extra.
Vodafone says 4G “demands a premium”, suggesting you’ll most likely need a different — and presumably more expensive — contract to enjoy 4G. That’s the same tactic employed by EE, the UK’s first 4G mobile network.
Despite previously claiming that 4G is for “technology freaks“, Vodafone had planned to launch its own 4G LTE network in June, but has pushed that launch back to the end of summer. Although Vodafone plays down the connection, the Telegraph reports that delays to the next iPhone, rumoured to be the iPhone 5S, are a factor.
The current iPhone 5 only works with EE’s 4G service — one reason the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the like trump the iPhone, as they support the wider range of 4G frequencies that will be used by the other networks.
The iPhone 5S is expected later this summer, and should support the full spectrum of 4G in this country. I’d say it’s in Vodafone’s interest to match the timing of its 4G launch with the iPhone, to give it the best chance of grabbing those early adopters snapping up a new iPhone and looking around for a 4G deal to go with it.
Of the other networks, O2 has yet to reveal its plans for 4G. BT is also set to launch a 4G service, although it’s not clear what form that’ll take. Meanwhile Three says it’s in no hurry to launch 4G, but has said it won’t have different 3G and 4G contracts.
Are you looking forward to 4G? Is Vodafone right to follow EE’s example and charge extra? And will the next iPhone be the best yet? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
