Vodafone is offering a sizeable discount to customers who want to switch to 4G, and the network has promised super-fast phone speeds will spring forth next spring.
If you have an iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3 or other phone with a 4G version, Vodafone will let you buy your way out of your current contract at a discount rate to make the switch. When the first swallow emerges, the sun finally peeks out from behind the clouds and Vodafone's 4G service does launch, you'll only have to pay 30 per cent of the remainder of your bill.
Usually when you eject from a contract early you have to fork over the full amount of remaining money you would have paid for the length of your contract.
Vodafone offers as an example someone who currently spends £42 each month on a 16GB iPhone 5 and has six months left on their contract when 4G launches. The line rental left would be £252, but with the discount, the lucky chap would only have to pay £75.60. How very generous of you, Vodafone!
Still, at least it's more generous than the ridiculous 4G price promise made by O2, which will knock a piffling 10 per cent off the remainder of your contract if you want to change. Meanwhile, Orange and T-Mobile will knock a third off the remainder of your contract if you switch to 4G on EE.
The first 4G network launches in the UK on Tuesday. EE's service taps different spectrum to that which will be used by Vodafone and other networks, so you won't be able to use the same phone on the different networks. Hit play on our video below to find out all about the full prices, deals and extras for EE's 4G service.
Vodafone says preparations for 4G are "well underway". The infrastructure for 3G is also being improved, with current phones speeded up by HSPA+ and HSPA-DC.
Are you excited about 4G? Can the other networks compete with EE? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 7
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Cat San 26 October, 2012 20:23
As a vodafone customer in Birmingham this could be interesting. At the moment a lot of us have been complaining about the fact we can't even get EDGE speed never mind 3g while in the city centre. To be honest I don't hold any hope for their 4g network as all they keep saying on their forums is that the problem is that the city centre is a high use area. So if thats the case 4G will get the same problem so I'll wait for independent reports on the state of it's network when launched but I'm guessing I'll be swapping providers after 10 years.
CaptainPicard 26 October, 2012 23:12
Im from Brum too. I couldn't get a signal in some areas of Birmingham on 02/GiffGaff, Orange and T-mobile and these areas were quite far from the City Center. Ive never been on Voda because their deals are awful, I hope they offer Unlimited Data to 4G customers.
anonymous 27 October, 2012 15:49
Jumped to Voda after 19 Years on o2.
Living in Vodafones home town of Newbury, expected 100% solid 3G for miles around - no chance. Reception is allmost as bad as o2.
THE LACK OF VISUAL VOICEMAIL ON VODAFONE IS A DISGRACE. Glad I bought my iPhone 5 without a contract - off to EE if it's true they will offer VIsual Voicemail.
anonymous 27 October, 2012 17:39
can someone help im already on vodafone but using an unlocked iphone 5 with my contract, when vodafones 4g comes out will i get it or will i have to get a new phone from vodafone made specificly for their 4g? answers much appreciated.
anonymous 27 October, 2012 23:47
you will have to get a new iphone designed to run on the frequencies vodafone will use for their 4g. the current iphone 5 will only work with EE's 4g
anonymous 28 October, 2012 20:31
There are no Free phones on EE, except for the Huawei Ascend P1.
If Vodaphone also make a charge for the phones on their 4G tariffs, then will they also be demanding that phones issued on 3G contracts are returned to them in addition to the charge foe a new 4G phone?
anonymous 30 October, 2012 06:40
What you didn't mention though is that you have to return your handset to Vodafone with the 70% off early. With o2's 10% (+20% vat deduction). You get to keep your old handset to re-sell. This may work out cheaper in the end.