Vodafone’s Irish division has revealed that it will switch on 4G mobile broadband services in six cities and 23 towns across Ireland on Monday (14 October).

Mobile users living and working in these areas will be able to avail of 4G mobile broadband for €29.99 per month (inc VAT), including a 20GB data allowance.

The company will also be launching a new 4G smartphone offer in time for the Christmas market.

In tandem with the 4G rollout, Vodafone has also been enhancing former 2G areas to receive 3G services. About 70pc of Vodafone’s customers carry 3G phones.

As well as boosting 2G areas to 3G, Vodafone will also be making High Definition Voice services across its network.

4G services in Ireland

The launch of 4G by Vodafone follows sharp on the heels of Eircom, which launched its 4G network two weeks ago.

Vodafone says 4G will deliver a step change in data services with speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

The company said 4G devices on the Vodafone network are capable of speeds of up to 75Mbs. It said users will be able to watch video content online without any buffering and upload pictures to social media in seconds.

In order to avail of Vodafone’s 4G mobile broadband, customers must have a 4G-ready device and a 4G SIM. The current range of 4G mobile broadband-ready devices on the Vodafone network include: K5008Z dongle, R212 Mobile WiFi and Sony Xperia Z tablet.

“From Monday, 4G will be available to consumers and businesses across the largest geographical spread of the country to reach as many customers as possible,” the head of Mobile Networks at Vodafone Sheila Kavanagh said.

“Our overall network investment programme, to make Ireland’s leading network even better for all customers, has begun.

“During the summer, the south-east was upgraded, bringing data everywhere there is voice coverage and now enhancements and upgrades are being delivered to the south-west,” Kavanagh added.