FASTER mobile phone technology is set to be switched on in Chelmsford by the end of March.

Communications company Everything Everywhere (EE), a merger of Orange and T-Mobile, has announced 4G will be active in the city as it gets the service to more locations around the UK.

The company has already set up the technology which will increase downloading speeds for mobiles five times higher than 3G in 18 cities and towns in the country and by March will turn it on in 17 other places.

Olaf Swantee, chief executive of EE, said: “We’re delighted with the progress of the 4G rollout.

“We’re improving the network every day, delivering superfast mobile to more and more people right across metropolitan areas, whether they’re using their devices outdoors or in their homes and offices.

“This has struck a chord with businesses in particular, with great demand being seen. We’re delighted to already be powering large, medium and small businesses with 4G.”

Along with bringing 4G technology to the city, EE is also investing in the current 3G service to make it faster.