Vodafone will turn on its 5G service in the UK on 3 July with the help of equipment by Chinese telecoms provider Huawei.

5G is an evolution of current network technology, 4G, and will enable download speeds between 10 and 100 times faster than current rates.

Vodafone is the first to put a date on its 5G roll-out - a service which it says will cost of both business and consumers the same as using a 4G network.

Seven cities will be involved in the initial roll-out including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester.

"Offering speeds over 5G up to 10 times faster than 4G, we've shown commuters at busy airports and railway stations that they can download TV box sets or movies in a matter of seconds before they embark on their journey," Vodafone said.

The company will rely on equipment from Huawei, which has become embroiled in controversy over how its kit may be used by China to spy on foreign states.