The UK chief executive of T-Mobile has said that this year will see a "step-change" in the provision of mobile broadband services.

Jim Hyde told Mobile Today that the company would begin targeting fixed-line broadband markets to capitalise on the growing popularity of mobile internet among UK consumers.

The company reported strong growth last week, adding that its mobile broadband deal with 3 would pave the way for the provision of wide-reaching access for customers across Britain.

Mr Hyde commented that mobile broadband services would begin to challenge the fixed-line market in the coming year.

"You will see a continued shift in traffic. A great, dependable network will be critical and our network share is key to that," he added.

T-Mobile expects that average data speeds experienced by its mobile broadband customers will double by the end of 2008, with free access to over 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country furthering its ambition of being a pioneer in the rapidly expanding market.