EE is promising faster downloads, fewer dropped calls, and more reliable connections with its latest 5G upgrade.
Rolling out across 30 towns and 25 of the biggest sporting events and festivals this summer, EE claims millions will benefit. The BT-owned brand says its 5G+ network is "the UK’s most advanced mobile technology", offering more reliable and faster downloads — up to 10x faster than 4G — especially in busy places, like city centres and stadiums.
But it's not just about speedier downloads. EE says the more reliable mobile connection offered by 5G+ can eke out an extra 3 hours of battery life compared to a connection to a regular 5G signal.
In a first for the network, EE is unleashing 5G+ via temporary masts to bring the improved signal to more than 25 major events, including BST Hyde Park, Isle of Wight Festival, Reading and Leeds Festival, the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, to name just a few.
Starting from scratch, EE has built a new end-to-end 5G network distinct from its existing 4G and 5G infrastructure. EE was the first to roll-out 5G in the UK, with its network going live back in May 2019 | EE PRESS OFFICE The roll-out of 5G+ will bolster connectivity in remote locations where visitors might otherwise struggle to connect to reliable, fibre broadband-like speeds. The next-generation network should make it easier to make and receive video calls, chat on WhatsApp and iMessage, or live-stream on social media from busy locations and during peak times.
As part of its commitment to support culturally important events in every corner of the UK, EE will also establish a 5G+ network at major regional showcases, like the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in Kiltarlity, the Devon County Show, and the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells, where it has delivered permanent 5G+ connectivity.
Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT, which connects EE, BT and Plusnet customers, Greg McCall, told GB News: "The summer has arrived and as our town centres and tourist hotspots get busier, staying connected with fast, secure and reliable mobile coverage has never been more important.
"5G+ on EE has been designed to deliver exactly that, so whether you’re video-calling your friends from a packed festival crowd or just keeping in touch with your family while you’re shopping in the high street, switching to 5G+ means you can benefit from a more dependable connection."
Then-EE CEO Marc Allera at an event in the BT headquarters, confirming the launch of its 5G+ service all the way back in September 2024
| EE PRESS OFFICEWith the latest rollout, EE claims its 5G+ network is now available to 75% of the UK population – some 44 million people in England, over 2.1 million in Wales, 3.3 million in Scotland, and almost 1 million in Northern Ireland. EE wants to reach 99% of the UK by 2030, well ahead of any other UK operator.
Other mobile networks refer to the 5G+ services as 5G Standalone, or 5GSA.
The number of people with an EE SIM tucked inside their smartphone who have decided to take advantage of this boosted signal has increased, with an 11% increase in uptake between March and April alone.
Whatever the name of this new 5G network, the service refers to a brand-new network built from the ground up for the next-generation 5G speeds. According to EE, the benefits of using 5GSA are as follows...
- Improved indoor coverage
- More reliable mobile internet
- Improved consistency of mobile download speeds
- Lower latency connections
- Battery life improvements for mobile devices
Until now, most 5G networks have relied on a mixture of 5G and older 4G infrastructure, with devices frequently bouncing between 5G and 4G, depending on the coverage and the level of congestion.
5G Standalone, or 5G+, is a completely separate network that uses the latest 5G wireless standards from end-to-end.
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It's the consistency of this new connection that will improve battery life, since there's no need for your smartphone to switch between 4G and 5G networks in the background throughout the day.
By removing the older 4G architecture entirely, you'll be able to expect better consistency in mobile download speeds as you move from outdoors to indoors. Since it's unencumbered by existing 4G networks, you'll maintain fast speeds in busy areas.
"We continue to build on our commitment to give customers access to the most reliable connectivity on the UK’s best mobile network," Mr McCall added, "By investing in these latest 5G+ upgrades, we’re ensuring we’re on track to deliver our ambition to bring the UK’s highest quality 5G+ connectivity to 99% of the population by the end of March 2030."
At the same time, people and businesses in more than 30 towns across the UK will enjoy a signal boost ahead of the busy summer season. The full list is:
- Ballynahinch
- Blackpool
- Blackwood
- Bournemouth
- Canvey Island
- Chepstow
- Chester-le-Street
- Coleraine
- Dawlish
- Dumbarton
- East Kilbride
- Eastleigh
- Falkirk
- Flint
- Hebden Bridge
- Holywell
- Lisburn
- Monmouth
- Motherwell
- Newport (Isle of Wight)
- Pontypridd
- Porthcawl
- Rhyl
- Risca
- Roslin
- St Ives (Cambridgeshire)
- Stroud
- Tonypandy
- Torquay
- Weston-super-Mare
- Whitehaven
- Whitley Bay
- Winchester