One of the most technologically socialized towns in Europe was named as Sale yesterday, as mobile giant EE introduced their 4G internet network to the area.
The company say the technology will make the area a more attractive to live, to work and to do business.
Superfast 4G is on average five times faster than 3G and Trafford council has praised the network for making town a more attractive place for residents and businesses.
EE, which also runs the Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK, is currently the only mobile operator in the UK offering 4G mobile.
Business owners here will be at an advantage as they will be able to do more on their phones and tablets.
Councilor Alex Williams, Executive Member for Transformation and Resources, said: “The arrival of 4G mobile services in Sale will be a great benefit to local businesses and residents.
“Now the latest generation of mobile technology has arrived.
“The arrival of 4G makes this part of Greater Manchester one of the best connected areas in the UK.
“As a local authority, we hope to reap the benefits of superfast mobile services. We are looking to move more towards digital communications, to help make our services more instantly accessible for residents.”
Sale residents will benefit from quicker access to social networking sites as well as being able to stream TV and music.
Banking, shopping and other online services will also be much easier to use on the go.
Independent research has also found that 4G is likely to drive economic growth locally by improving business productivity and helping businesses increase mobile-commerce.
Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE, said: “I’m delighted that 4G is arriving in Sale, and am looking forward to seeing it make a big difference for residents and businesses in the area.
“4G will change the way that people use their smartphones, tablets and mobile Wi-Fi, both for work and for pleasure.”
4G mobile from EE is now available in 74 towns and cities across the UK, and will be available to 98% of the population by the end of 2014.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.