VODAFONE'S superfast 5G mobile network could be up and running in Bournemouth by the end of the year.

But the date could be delayed if the company is banned from using equipment provided by controversial Chinese telecoms provider Huawei.

Vodafone has announced that seven towns and cities will see a switch-on of the next generation network on July 3.

Bournemouth will be among the second group of towns and cities to get 5G and the company said it will be in place before the end of 2019.

The company will rely on equipment from Huawei, among others, to deliver part of the service.

The UK government is still carrying out a review of the telecoms sector that has the potential to restrict or even block use of Huawei's kit to address cyber-security concerns.

Vodafone also uses Ericsson kit so it is not totally reliant on Huawei.

But a ban would mean it would have to strip out existing Huawei equipment already in use in its 4G services.

Vodafone pressed ahead with its announcement despite concerns that Huawei could be forced to spy on its clients by the Chinese Communist Party.

It said the benefits will include faster and more reliable data speeds for customers in busy areas.

It has yet to reveal price plans but has said it will not be more expensive than equivalent 4G deals.

"Offering speeds over 5G up to 10 times faster than 4G we've shown commuters at busy airports and railway stations that they can download TV box sets or movies in a matter of seconds before they embark on a journey" said a spokesman.

The first seven locations to receive 5G in July are London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol.

The next group will be Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth, Reading, Newbury, Guildford, Plymouth, Blackpool, Birkenhead, Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington.