SUPERFAST 4G mobile broadband has been launched in Bournemouth and Poole.

EE has launched the service, offering faster internet access on mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

It is the only 4G network in Dorset and says it can offer speeds five times faster than 3G technology.

Neil Maxfield, regional manager for Dorset, EE, said: “The arrival of 4G mobile in Bournemouth and Poole is great news for our customers.

“4G from EE is like having fibre broadband to your mobile phone, and allows customers to access the content they care about without the frustration of pages being slow to load, or apps not connecting.”

Civic chiefs in Poole and Bournemouth issued almost identical statements welcoming the announcement, saying it would make the area one of the “best connected places in the UK”.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said: “The arrival of 4G mobile services in Poole will be a great benefit to local businesses and residents.

“We have wanted and needed this latest generation of mobile technology for some time and are delighted it has now arrived.

“High speed IT services means Poole is an area where it is even more attractive to live, to work and to do business.”

Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for corporate policy, Cllr Mike Greene, said: “Now the latest generation of mobile technology has arrived, we are now an area where it is even more attractive to live, to work and to do business.”

EE, the company offering 4G, also runs the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK.

Olaf Swantee, chief executive of EE, said: “4G will change the way people use their smart phones, tablets and mobile Wi-Fi, both for work and pleasure.”