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HTC One XL, Galaxy SIII and others launch today as UK’s first 4G LTE phones on EE

The UK’s first 4G network EE has today launched the first smartphones that will run on its new super-fast network, including the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE.

EE’s 4G network is set to roll out gradually across the country starting in a few weeks, but those who want to get their hands on a phone to be ready for the launch can do so as of today, October 3rd. Kicking things off are the Samsung Galaxy S III LTE, HTC One XL and the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE, a sort of Android triple tag team.

These phones will join the iPhone 5, which has been out for a couple of weeks now, rocking a 4G LTE radio which will of course work on the EE 4G network in the UK when it launches.

We’ve already been treated to the full line-up of 4G devices for EE, and so we know that joining the initial three handsets will be the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 Windows Phones, and some mobile broadband gear from Huawei, including a dongle and a Mi-Fi router.

As EE is still in the process of launching, you’ll need to go to Orange or T-Mobile to take out a 4G phone on contract. When the network does launch you’ll be informed, and will be given the opportunity to switch to EE to get your 4G on. Be sure to emphasise the 4G LTE bit when ordering your phone though, as we don’t want you to end up with a regular Galaxy SIII!

Joining the party later in the month will be the new Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE, which will be available to buy come October 15th. The regular version of the second-generation phone-come-tablet launched yesterday.

EE hasn’t yet confirmed exactly when its 4G network will launch, and it can’t confirm prices and tariffs just yet. All in all it seems that buying a 4G phone right now would be a bit of a gamble, but that’s the price you pay for being an early adopter in the technology world.

Will you be buying a 4G smartphone? Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.