Ultra high-speed 4G mobile broadband could be available across the UK this year, Ofcom said today in a statement.
The new, high speed spectrum will be made available by mobile phone operator Everything Everywhere, which has applied to Ofcom to use its existing spectrum to deliver 4G.
Everything Everywhere would essentially be reusing its existing spectrum.
The upshot for customers could be faster mobile broadband speeds and wider mobile broadband coverage in rural areas.
Ofcom has supported Everything Everywhere's change of use, but the change won't happen immediately. Ofcom now has to take views of interested parties, who may either shut down the plan, or get on board.
Why should you care about 4G? The follow-up to 3G and 2G will deliver high speed broadband via mobile and satellite dish, clearing out "not spots" across the country.
The speed is what it's all about. Ultra high-speed 4G mobile would mean that you could download a 500MB file in under one minute, compared to over 5 minutes on 3G.
London and Cornwall are both 4G Guinea pigs. Cornwall began trials in the new high speed internet connection in August 2011, while O2 has launched 4G trials across West London.
If the Ofcom 4G plan goes ahead, it makes much more sense to buy the new 4G and LTE iPad, announced last week.