O2 to launch 4G in Britain on August 29 O2"s will run its 4G network at a lower radio frequency than EE, which got a head start by reusing surplus airwaves while rivals were forced to wait for an Ofcom auction earlier this year. O2"s 800MHz frequency is suited to covering wide areas and penetrating buildings. The higher frequencies owned by EE and Vodafone are better for delivering high capacity to keep internet access speed up in densely populated areas. The difference in frequency also means O2 will not be able to offer the iPhone on 4G from the start, although Mr Dunne said he expected carry Apple's next handset, which is rumoured to be scheduled for autumn. He admitted O2"s network would not be as fast as EE's, arguing that consumers were more concerned about whether online video and games will play smoothly than headline download speeds. O2 plans to use incentives such as free music streaming to encourage its 23 million customers to upgrade to its new network. Existing subscribers will be charged more for faster speeds, but they will not have to extend their contract. As well as 4.3m people in London and 700,000 in the Leeds-Bradford conurbation, by the end of the year O2 plans to provide 4G coverage in Birmingham, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.