EE is making significant strides in expanding its 5G Standalone network across the UK, promising better connectivity for millions. The telecom company aims to cover 50 cities and reach 28 million people by the end of the month, roughly 40% of the UK population. This initiative follows the successful launch of its 5G Standalone network in September 2024, which initially served 21 million people.
With this rollout, EE is making 5G Standalone available to new and upgrading customers taking any EE handset plan. The network is only announced once a location has achieved 95% outdoor coverage, ensuring a smooth user experience. Cities such as Milton Keynes, Sunderland, and Rotherham are set to benefit from this upgrade by the month’s end.
The 5G Standalone network promises a more reliable experience, especially in high-traffic locations like city centers and stadiums. Improved services, including smoother video calls, better live streaming, and enhanced online gaming, are expected during peak times. However, accessing this network requires a compatible smartphone. Major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google offer devices supporting this technology and hosting built-in AI applications to enhance user experience.
Malcolm Cubitt, EE’s Director of Mobile, emphasized rapid expansion and wider accessibility in a press release. “5G standalone is giving many customers a better and more reliable mobile experience, especially in busy locations. As we rapidly expand our network footprint to cover more than 40 percent of the UK population, we are widening its accessibility so more people can benefit—especially those looking to harness the power of cutting-edge features on the newest smartphones,” he stated.
