BT and Everything Everywhere's trial of 4G mobile broadband technology in Cornwall is offering speeds that are close to the UK's average fixed-line capabilities.

The two telecoms firms kicked off the pilot scheme in St Newlyn East and the surrounding area of south Newquay in early October, with around 200 customers signing up to test the super-fast mobile broadband service.

This part of Cornwall was chosen as the location for the project as broadband connectivity in the area is currently low or non-existent.

Olaf Swantee, chief executive of Everything Everywhere - the company that controls the Orange and T-Mobile brands - told PC Pro the average download speed received by trialists has hit 6Mbps, just below the national ADSL rate of 6.8Mbps.

He pointed out the project involves demonstrating Long-Term Evolution technology for fixed-line purposes, as well as for use on mobile devices.

"It is my belief - and Everything Everywhere's belief - that the UK needs 4G," Mr Swantee added.

"Scandanavia, the US, Germany - all of these regions are already deploying 4G. It's my belief the UK needs to start deploying 4G now."

Meanwhile, BT claimed maximum speeds of up to 30Mbps had been recorded during quiet periods and some households have connected as many as ten wireless-enabled devices to the service simultaneously.

Participants have been able to access 4G mobile broadband via modified versions of the BT Home Hub or special USB dongles, rather than smartphones.

Some 10MHz of the 800MHz spectrum band is being used to deliver 4G capabilities to approximately 100 mobile and 100 fixed broadband connections during the scheme, which will run until early next year.

A dedicated help desk and support website has been established for those taking part in the initiative, allowing them to raise questions, complete set tasks and give feedback on the performance of the service.

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