Regulator Ofcom has revealed in its draft annual plan for 2012/2013 its thoughts on the future for 4G networks in the UK. According to Cnet there is no chance of any such networks next year, and should start rolling out in 2013 and 2014, but will not be cover most of the country until 2015.

This will disappoint many consumers looking enviously at their US cousins who are already receiving. A 4G network will also be used to provide internet access to more rural locations where currently any service is patchy at best.

Auctions are expected to begin for 4G spectrums in 2013 now after originally being scheduled for next year, even though Ofcom are still hoping to start these next year if possible. We reported before that UK carrier O2 had begun testing a 4G network in various locations in London. This followed BT and Everything Everywhere starting similar trials down in Cornwall.

Whatever happens it could be a good three years before there is any reliable 4G service rolled out to UK customers. The auction is likely to cost carriers huge amounts just like it did when the 3G spectrums were sold off. The UK is even lagging behind fellow European states with regards to 4G networks, but will come eventually.

Will you be glad to have access to 4G or you happy with the data speeds you get now?

You can read the full report on raeng.org.uk, Royal Academy of Engineering. Most new cars have satellite navigation built-in, and we doubt most people even have a map in their car, let alone use one. What would you do if there were a natural disaster that wiped out GPS signals? The report highlights this and other possibilities.

We are starting to move into a period that our sun will be more active than normal, and while this might not lead to a 2012 type event (end of the world), we could see a large solar flare cause problems to our electronics. The impact of such an event would be devastating; our world is completely connected by electronics, which includes the use of GPS for businesses that provide services.

You will find GPS is a vital part of our financial system, not to mention emergency services, railways, and shipping. Even simple jamming equipment could cause major problems to the UK infrastructure. The report states that Western countries rely on satellite radio navigation for 6-7% of GDP.

Have a read of the full report here, and let us know your thoughts.