The launch of 4G by Base – Belgium’s third-largest operator – is offering competition in a market which market-leader Proximus previously had to itself.

KPN-owned Base has launched in 15 Belgian cities including Antwerp, Bruges, Charleroi, Ghent and Liege. The operator says other cities will soon be added.

Meanwhile the country’s other operator Mobistar has announced its own 4G ambitions but does not plan a commercial launch until the beginning of 2014. Instead, the operator is opening an expanded test network to customers between now and the end of 2013. Subscribers with LTE handsets or tablets will be able to try out Mobistar’s service for free in more than 50 cities for the rest of the year. In the first quarter of 2014, the operator will add a further 40 cities.

Base’s 4G service is open to subscribers with a 4G handset and a tariff that includes access to the high speed service for both private and corporate subscribers.

Proximus, the country’s largest operator, launched its 4G service at the end of 2012.

The fourth winner of LTE spectrum in the country’s auction in 2011 was BUCD, which is a newcomer to the country’s mobile market and so far has kept a low profile.