EE unveils new network innovations to give millions of people, in every corner of the UK, the best 5G+ experiences on the devices they use every day.

With its next generation 5G+ connectivity expanding to cover more than 50 million people across the UK, EE has extended its use of world-first technologies to boost network performance and reliability in London and other major cities.

LONDON, 28th April: Millions of EE customers have received a huge boost to their mobile connectivity ahead of the summer as the operator unleashes major new network upgrades, including launching 5G+ to more than 50 million people and expanding the rollout of world-first technologies to enhance its network performance across the UK.

Fresh from having been recognised in multiple independent studies as providing the highest quality mobile connectivity in the UK, EE continues to innovate and improve its network performance for customers as part of a £40 billion investment into the UK’s network infrastructure.

Giving customers a boost with 5G+

Since the start of 2026, EE has extended its 5G+ connectivity to cover more than 50 million people across more than 610 towns and cities – far exceeding its original target to reach 41 million people by Spring 2026.

5G+ is EE’s most powerful form of 5G connectivity, which provides customers with more reliable mobile internet, faster download and upload speeds, and improved video call and gaming experiences in the busiest locations and at peak times. EE’s ambition is to deliver the UK’s highest quality 5G+ connectivity to 99% of the population by the end of March 2030.

“This milestone shows the pace at which we’re building the UK’s most advanced mobile network,” said Greg McCall, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group. “By expanding EE’s 5G+ coverage to millions more people and being the first in the world to launch new network technologies, we’re giving our customers more reliable and resilient connectivity in the places where it matters most.”

Some of the most recent towns and cities benefitting from EE’s free 5G+ connectivity boost include:

AberystwythAntrimBangor (North Wales)BarnsleyCheltenhamChichesterCirencesterDorchesterErskineMelton MowbrayMerthyr TydfilNewburyPrestonSalfordSt Austell

The rapid expansion of EE’s 5G+ network has resulted in a 54% increase in monthly customer usage on 5G+ during the last six months alone, with more customers than ever now reaping the benefits of the technology.

Smarter spectrum, faster speeds

To ensure customers get the best day-to-day experience on 5G+, EE has reallocated its 2.1GHz (2100MHz) spectrum across more than 4,000 mobile sites to deliver greater network capacity, stronger indoor coverage and improved upload speeds for 5G+ customers, particularly in built-up areas where demand is highest. EE plans to upgrade 5,000 more mobile sites in this way in the next few months.

Customers using EE’s 5G+ network are also enjoying considerably faster download speeds after EE became the UK’s first network to launch five carrier aggregation on its 5G+ enabled mobile sites.

This landmark upgrade was completed last month and allows compatible 5G+ smartphones and devices to combine the power of five spectrum bands at once, resulting in 10% faster download speeds on average and improved performance when streaming video.

A new ARC in EE’s network evolution

EE has also announced further progress on the rollout of ARC (Advanced RAN Coordination), a cutting-edge technology that enables mobile sites close to each other to dynamically share capacity in real time – instantly boosting network performance by 20% without the need for additional masts.

As the first network in the world – and only one in the UK – to deploy the technology, EE customers benefit from ARC’s unique offering, getting the most reliable experience in busy locations like train stations, high streets and city centres.

Following the successful launch of the technology in Manchester and Edinburgh last year, ARC is now also live on EE’s 5G+ network in London.

By the end of May 2026, it will be available in more of the UK’s busiest cities including Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Sheffield.

EE customers in these places using the latest 5G+ devices and plans (on both iOS and Android) will see the biggest performance improvements.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

* BT Group – of which EE is a part – is currently one of the biggest investors into UK infrastructure and will have invested more than £40bn into the country between 2020 and 2030. Latest on BT Group’s network investments here.

Full list of smartphones, tablets, laptops and devices which are compatible with EE’s 5G+ network can be found here. Customers need a compatible device, SIM and plan to be able to access 5G+ technology.

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