A PHONE network operator says it will introduce 4G superfast mobile broadband to the region by Christmas.

Operator EE say they plan to be the first mobile network to provide 4G coverage for County Durham, offering mobile phone, laptop and tablet speeds up to five times faster the current 3G technology.

Claire Dobson, regional manager for EE in the North-East, said: "The arrival of 4G mobile in Durham is great news for our customers.

"4G from EE is like having fibre broadband to your mobile phone, and allows customers to access the content they care about without the frustration of pages being slow to load, or apps not connecting."