EE Accelerates 5G+ Rollout to 44 Million People and Gifts Access to Over Half a Million Customers Ahead of Christmas

Photo credit: Brian Morrison

(IN BRIEF) EE has gifted 5G+ access to more than 500,000 customers with compatible devices ahead of Christmas while expanding its next-generation network to 20 new UK locations, including major festive destinations like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The operator’s rapid rollout now reaches over 44 million people—surpassing its original target five months early—and offers stronger, faster, and more reliable connectivity during one of the busiest travel and shopping periods. With improved performance in crowded areas, 5G+ enhances video calls, streaming, and social media use at seasonal events. EE plans nationwide coverage of 99% by 2030 and continues to trial advanced features such as network slicing at major UK events. The upgraded network is available on all EE pay-monthly handset plans and selected SIM-only plans.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 24-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile network operators, has given more than half a million of its customers an early Christmas boost by providing complimentary access to its advanced 5G+ network. Customers with compatible devices are now able to enjoy stronger, faster, and more reliable mobile performance during one of the busiest times of the year.

This expansion coincides with EE’s latest rollout milestone, with 20 additional towns and cities—alongside popular festive destinations such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland—now connected to 5G+. The operator’s rapid deployment means the technology now reaches over 44 million people, equivalent to two-thirds of the UK population and months ahead of its original target.

5G+ is EE’s most sophisticated network technology and is included across all EE pay-monthly handset plans as well as Full Works and All Rounder SIM-only plans. By offering enhanced coverage ahead of the Christmas season, the company is supporting customers who are shopping online, keeping in touch with friends and family, and capturing memories at festive markets and events throughout the UK. With research showing that most people begin their holiday shopping in mid-to-late November, the timing aligns with one of the year’s busiest periods for connectivity.

The benefits of 5G+ are especially noticeable in high-traffic areas such as city centres and high streets, where demand for data is at its peak. The technology provides improved download and upload speeds and helps minimise interruptions when customers are video-calling, livestreaming, or sharing content on social platforms. Its deployment at major festive attractions—including Winter Wonderland, which attracts around three million visitors—ensures more people can stay connected during seasonal celebrations.

EE’s rollout has progressed at record pace. Just over a year after launch, the operator has exceeded its coverage goal by over five months, reaching more than 66% of the population. Coverage now includes the UK’s largest cities and towns with Christmas markets, including Bath, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, York, Belfast, and London.

The company’s long-term ambition is to extend 5G+ to 99% of the UK population by spring 2030. As part of this push, new locations now live with 5G+ include Ballymena, Burton-on-Trent, Chelmsford, Dewsbury, Ellesmere Port, Gateshead, Greenock, Hamilton, Hartlepool, Hatfield, Hereford, Londonderry, Newark, Oldham, Rochdale, Solihull, Stafford, Stevenage, Tamworth, and Warwick—covering an additional 1.6 million people.

“This time of year is all about connecting with the people and things we care about most,” says Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group. “With millions of people travelling, shopping, and enjoying festive events, we’re expanding EE’s 5G+ network so the nation can benefit from high-capacity, ultra-reliable connectivity and stay connected to what matters this Christmas.”

A key advantage of 5G+ is its support for network slicing, which enables operators to deliver guaranteed quality of experience for specific applications and users. EE has already trialled slicing at major events, including the Belfast Christmas Market, SailGP in Portsmouth, and England football matches at Wembley Stadium.

With more than 15% of EE’s pay-monthly customers already using 5G+, millions of people are benefiting daily from the enhanced performance offered by the network. Full details on compatible 5G+ devices can be found at ee.co.uk.

About EE

EE is the UK’s best network, offering superfast mobile and broadband connection to millions across the UK. With an ambition to be the country’s most trusted connector of people, EE’s network and services keep consumers connected and entertained.

EE’s 4G, 5G and 5GSA speeds cover more than 90% of the UK, while EE’s super reliable broadband is available at more than 99% of UK premises, with guaranteed speeds to keep people streaming, gaming, watching TV and connecting to the things that matter most.

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Best Network for Consumers at the Mobile Industry Awards for the last four years since 2022.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has nearly 400 stores across the UK. In 2023, EE launched its new experiential retail strategy opening its flagship EE Studio and Experience stores nationwide. The innovative approach to retail in the telco industry has seen EE receive multiple awards of recognition including Retailer of the Year at the Mobile Industry Awards in 2024 and 2025, and Best New Store for the EE Studio at the Retail Week Awards in 2024.

EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised for putting people and culture at the heart of the company at the Cnect Wales Awards in 2025.

EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK.

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SOURCE: EE LIMITED