FASTER mobile internet speeds are now available in Bolton.

EE, currently the only network in the UK offering 4G, launched in Bolton on Thursday.

The company’s 4G network is now available to about 45 per cent of the UK’s population, and it hopes to extend that to 98 per cent by the end of 2014.

The 4G technology offers mobile data speeds four times faster than the existing 3G network.

Manchester was one of the first cities to host access to the network, but availability was only extended to Bolton last week.

And the service was extended to Stockport at the same time.

EE bosses describe the firm as “the most advanced digital communications company in Britain”, and say the service will allow users to download large email attachments quicker than ever, watch live TV on their smartphones without it buffering and make highquality video calls on the move.

Users need a 4G-compatible phone, such as the iPhone 5, to be able to access the service.

Jason Hurst, aged 21, from Great Lever, said he was not aware of the launch, but was happy to hear that it was happening.

He said: “I use the internet on my phone a lot throughout the day.”

EE has taken over Orange and T-Mobile, and the network has a shop in Market Street, Bolton.

Olaf Swantee, who is EE’s chief executive, said: “As the first operator to bring 4G to the UK it is important that we make it accessible to as much of the population as possible, as quickly as possible.

“We continue to bring superfast mobile to more and more people, whether they’re using their devices outdoors or in their homes and offices, and to increase the speed and consistency of our 4G and 3G network across the UK.”