Ofcom’s annual Infrastructure Report update shows UK WiFi hotspot usage growing at a faster rate than mobile data.

It says the number of public WiFi hotspots across the UK has more than doubled in the past 12 months from 16,000 to 34,000. At the same time, the amount of data being sent or received by consumers using these hotspots has almost trebled.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom says it’ll allow all UK mobile network operators to use 4G technology on their 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz frequency bands previously set aside for 2G and 3G service.

It’s also permitting an increase in the maximum 900MHz base station transmit power for 3G and 4G technology.

Mobile Broadband Network Limited, the joint venture owned by Three UK and EE, has given Ericsson a five-year contract to manage its radio access network in the UK.

MBNL was originally formed in 2007 to provide Three and T-Mobile with better service by combining their 3G masts and associated infrastructure.

The United States International Trade Commission has ruled in favour of a Samsung complaint about one of its 3G patents, banning older Apple iPhones (anything before the iPhone 4S) and older iPads (first and second-generation models) from being imported into the USA and sold there.

Newer devices aren’t affected.

Groups that organize trips to North Korea say the country is no longer offering mobile Internet to foreign visitors, just weeks after it unveiled a new 3G service that promised an unprecedented look into the notoriously closed state.

The apparently uncensored Internet service was introduced last month, setting off a flurry of Instagram photos and Twitter posts.