Research: UK needs 4G for investment and innovation

The rollout of 4G mobile networks could add up to 75 billion to the UK's GDP by the end of the decade, according to research commissioned by Everything Everywhere.

Its report claimed introducing 4G would inject 5.5 billion of private investment into the UK economy by the end of 2015.

It is also stated the move to 4G could safeguard or create around 125,000 jobs across the UK, including 46,500 within London and the south east and a further 20,680 across the north east and north west of England.

It will create substantial long-term benefits for the economy and consumers.

The publication of the research coincides with the launch of an online campaign by Everything Everywhere about the economic and social benefits of 4G.

The research, carried out on the comms provider's behalf by analyst house Capital Economics, also suggests 4G would benefit the 10 million people who are not expected to have access to fixed line superfast broadband by the end of the decade.

Mark Pragnell, head of commissioned projects at Capital Economics, said 4G has the potential to create a new cycle of investment and innovation in internet services and mobile devices.

"[It] will create substantial long-term benefits for the economy and consumers, ultimately boosting UK GDP by as much as half a percentage point," he said.

"The near-term 5.5bn private industry investment we project is substantial and opportune for the wider economy given the recent investment slump."

Olaf Swantee, chief executive of Everything Everywhere, said more than 30 countries across the globe are already benefiting from 4G.

"The UK has the highest levels of smartphone penetration and mobile commerce in Europe, and Britons deserve to have the best infrastructure in place to support this growth," he added.