EE is still the UK's only 4G LTE mobile broadband network, but that's going to change very soon. Here's everything we know about the 4G rollout schedule in the UK and when you can get 4G on your network. Updated on 14/08/13.

With 4G networks from more than one operator, we expect more competitive pricing and more choice for consumers so we say bring it on. However, you're probably wondering 'when will I get 4G on my network?'. See: What is 4G? A complete guide to 4G.

Some details are still vague but here’s everything we know about the rollout of 4G networks in the UK. We'll update this article as and when we hear any more specific information and dates.

See also: 4G vs 3G network hands-on speed test.

4G rollout schedule: EE

EE is currently the UK's only live 4G network. The service was switched on and launched on 30 October and the firm has had a monopoly in the 4G market ever since, although it has been heavily criticised for it expensive price plans with limit amounts of data.

At the time of writing EE's 4G LTE network is available in a total of 95 towns and cities across the UK accounting for coverage of nearly 60 percent of the population.

Looking forward, EE plans to reach 70 percent of the UK by the end of 2013 and 98 percent by the end of 2014.

See also: EE 4G in the UK: what you need to know

4G rollout schedule: Vodafone and O2

The reason EE is still the only 4G network in the UK is because it was given permission by regulator Ofcom to use exiting spectrum (1800MHz) which it already owned.

Ofcom said it was giving EE a head start to ensure consumers in the UK got 4G as quickly as possible for their own benefit. It said there was "no material risk that those benefits would be outweighed by a distortion of competition".

Other mobile operators, including Vodafone and O2, had to wait for Ofcom to hold an auction in which they could purchase 4G spectrum (800MHz and 2.6GHz). This auction has now ended and both Vodafone and O2 won spectrum. 

O2 purchased 800MHz lots and Vodafone won both 800MHz and 2.6GHz lots. See also: Ofcom announces 4G auction winners.

O2 has confirmed that its 4G network will launch on 29 August with tariff prices starting at £26 per month. See also: O2 announces full 4G tariff pricing.

Vodafone will also launch its 4G network on 29 August. Let the battle commence. See also: Vodafone Red 4G release date, price and locations.

See: Ofcom reveals 4G auction and rollout plans

4G rollout schedule: Three

Three has signed a deal with EE to use part of its network for 4G services. EE was obliged to do this as part of a commitment with the European Commission.

A Three spokesman told us the network will go live when the spectrum has been handed over from EE. This is likely to take place in September.

However, Three is also taking part in the 4G auction which we've mentioned so it's possible the firm will buy its own spectrum and use that ahead of the deal with EE.

Importantly, Three has announced that its customers won't be charged extra for 4G. Neither will they have to change tariff as 4G will be standard on all price plans.

See also: Three to offer free 4G LTE broadband

Three won 800MHz spectrum in the 4G auction but has said it's in no rush to rollout 4G, stating that it will wait until the fourth quarter after rival networks have launched.

See also: Three to launch 4G LTE mobile network in Q4 after rivals.

4G rollout schedule: Phones 4U

In a similar deal to Three's, Phones 4U will launch a virtual 4G network using EE's infrastructure. The service, called LIFE Mobile, will launch in March as 3G only and will be upgraded to 4G sometime later in the year.

Read more: Phones 4U to launch 4G mobile network

4G rollout schedule: Orange and T-Mobile

Orange and T-Mobile are owned by EE and use the EE network. Customers wishing to use 4G must upgrade to an EE price plan.

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