UK 4G mobile network EE has announced a partnership with East London tech hub Tech City. It says this partnership will enable Tech City to become the best-connected tech hub in the world.
EE is introducing its ‘double-speed’ 4G service to the area, offering average mobile data speeds of 24-30Mbps. The company is also offering free WiFi via 4G mobile Wi-Fi hotspots installed in parts of Tech City.
In addition, businesses accredited with Tech City will be offered access to the EE network’s real-time APIs (application programming interfaces). This will make it easier and quicker for mobile developers to develop 4G-related apps and services. Business and mentoring support will be provided by EE as well.
It’s hoped the Tech City London deal will lead to similar partnerships across the UK; Tech City and EE are investigating the possibility of launching similar programmes in Bath, Belfast, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newry, Sheffield and Sunderland.
Joanna Shields, CEO of the Tech City Investment Organisation and the UK government’s Business Ambassador for Digital Industries, said “Double speed 4G will turn Europe’s Digital Capital into the World’s most connected tech hub. The lightning speed and capacity of the superfast 4G network provides businesses with unique opportunities to build, test, and develop the digital products and services of the future. This game-changing investment will catalyse the next wave of innovation and creativity in digital and tech businesses, connect them to new markets around the world and support the growth of our brightest and best businesses.”