The roll-out of fourth-generation mobile services, commonly known as 4G, could pose a serious challenge to the dominance of traditional fixed-line broadband connections, according to Broadbandgenie.co.uk.

Recently, telecoms regulator Ofcom announced that it will be auctioning three-quarters of the mobile spectrum for 4G in the first quarter of 2012, in a move that could impact the work of IT contractors and freelancers.

Chris Marling, editor of Broadbandgenie.co.uk, said all four of the current mobile networks can expect to see a "share of the pie".

"In the short term, rather than a spike in smartphone and tablet sales, what 4G could mean is a genuine alternative to fixed-line broadband ... Even a conservative estimate would look at mobile broadband speeds of more than 8Mb, which will worry BT and the like," he added.

Mr Marling went on to say that the real benefit will be seen in mobile broadband, with a considerable hike in upload and download speeds.