4G in Brussels

Brussels may get 4G mobile telephone coverage by the end of 2013 according to plans announced by b.lite, a relative newcomer in the telecommunications field.

B.lite, which has recently invested in 76 transmission masts in Brussels, will be offering 4G coverage only. The providers of older mobile technology Proximus (Belgacom) and Mobistar (France Télécom) are at present unable to offer 4G in the federal capital area because of strict environmental regulations. B.lite says that it is getting around these by offering 4G only and not the older 2G and 3G technology.

B.lite defines itself as a young telecommunications operator for internet, telephoning and HD television that focuses on new technologies.

4G is the fourth generation of mobile telephone technology and provides fast internet access and such facilities as HD mobile television, cloud computing on the move and other services similar to those provided by WiFi.

At the beginning of 2013 the head of Belgacom made headlines when he pointed out the frustrations of not being able to provide 4G to the important UN and EU communities in Brussels because of environmental regulations that limit the power of mobile masts to 3 volts per metre. This means that Proximus and Mobistar, which provide 3G technology, are excluded at present from offering 4G facilities.

Belgacom provides 4G in eight other Belgium cities but is unable to do so in the federal area.