Medway has became a more hi-tech place with the launch of 4G mobile broadband.

The ‘superfast’ service is said to be five times quicker than 3G, allowing mobile users to download movies, TV programmes and whole albums of music easily while on the go.

There’s a catch. Only one network is offering 4G – Everything Everywhere (EE), which owns Orange and T-mobile. And the firm’s maps show an apparent blackspot which covers hundreds of homes in north Gillingham – which is popular with students at Medway’s universities.

Included in the zone is the first-year accommodation block Liberty Quays, in Pier Road.

EE Kent manager Thomas Oborne admitted there were blackspots but said they will not remain for long.

“There are going to be little gaps while we continue to roll it out but as we spread further into Kent those gaps will be filled,” he said.

The 4G service is already available in Dartford, Gravesend, parts of Sheppey and Maidstone. Mr Oborne said an official launch in the county town is due shortly.

EE won the rights last summer to set up the 4G network, which is already available in 74 towns and cities covering half the UK population.

The firm claims 4G will reach 98% of Britain’s population by the end of next year.

Mr Oborne said: “It costs a £5 premium but you’re getting five times the speed so it’s worth making that switch.”

The 4G signal needs more masts to work effectively, so several home and shop owners in Medway have received money to install masts on their land.

They are unpopular with some residents, but the masts do not need planning permission if they measure less than 50ft.

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