Mobile operator EE has announced its 4G data service is now available in a further 12 towns across the UK, taking the total to 74 towns and cities since the launch of the service last year.

EE 4G coverage is now available in Ashton-under-Lyne, Chatham, Gillingham, High Wycombe, Merthyr Tydfil, Oldham, Oxford, Rochester, Runcorn, Sale, Stafford and Wigan.

EE claims its 4G service now covers the homes and businesses of "more than 50 percent of the UK population".

Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE, said: "Just seven months after launch, we've covered millions of consumers and businesses with one of the fastest mobile networks in the world."

EE stole a march on the other mobile operators in providing 4G by using spectrum it already owned through the 3G government spectrum auction in 2000.

The other operators are soon expected to launch their own 4G services after winning new spectrum in the Ofcom 4G auction earlier this year.