O2 UK brings 42Mbps fastest ever DC-HSPA 3G speeds to UK

While we wait on 4G, O2 ups its 3G game

O2 is rolling-out the fastest ever mobile download speeds seen in the UK. The new DC-HPSA connectivity can offer a mighty 42Mbps, and other networks are set to follow

Sometimes we think Ofcom intends to delay the 4G LTE spectrum auctions forever, leaving us without super-fast mobile broadband for all eternity. With that depressing thought in mind, we're pleased to reveal that O2 continues to improve the speeds of its 3G offering.

The roll-out of the DC-HSPA (dual-cell high speed packet access) connectivity can bring speeds of 42Mbps to mobile users, which is around double the speed currently obtainable though HSPA+-enabled smartphones.

Users of Apple's new iPad 3 will benefit from the upgrade and so will new owners of the Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone handset.

"We have begun rolling it out across the UK - starting with major cities," an O2 spokesperson concerned.

O2's rival networks, Three, Everything Everywhere (Orange and T-Mobile) and Vodafone are all working on bringing DC-HSPA connectivity to its subscribers too, but the Sean Bean-endorsed network is first to market.

Meanwhile a decision is due soon on Everything Everywhere's bid to convert their existing spectrum to 4G and enable an LTE roll-out by the end of the year. The other networks are uniformly against this move. Ofcom is due to make a decision on the appeals this month after initially granting EE permission to go ahead.

Via: CNET

Chris Smith

Chris Smith studied journalism at Liverpool John Moores University, graduating with a First Class degree. He joined T3.com as video producer and editor, but you can also find articles written by Chris on the topics of gaming, wrestling, phones, future tech, mobile payment systems, tablets, streaming services, apps, and much more.