EE launches world-first ARC technology to boost 5G speeds and expands standalone network to millions more UK customers

(IN BRIEF) EE has become the first mobile operator in the world to launch Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology, a network upgrade that boosts 5G performance by allowing mobile sites to pair and share capacity. Already live in Manchester and Edinburgh, ARC is delivering more reliable service and 20 percent faster downloads, with plans to extend coverage to major UK cities over the next year. Customers using 5G standalone devices will benefit most from the improvements. Alongside ARC, EE is rolling out 5G standalone to 17 more towns and cities by the end of 2025, aiming to reach 41 million people by spring 2026. EE says these developments, supported through its partnership with Ericsson, reinforce its leadership in providing the UK’s most powerful and dependable mobile network.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — EE has announced a world first in mobile network innovation by becoming the first operator to roll out Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology across its distributed network. The breakthrough is already transforming customer experiences with more reliable 5G connections and up to 20 percent faster download speeds, particularly enhancing streaming quality in busy public spaces.

ARC technology allows neighboring mobile sites to intelligently pair and share capacity, significantly boosting performance in high-demand areas without the need to install additional masts. The upgrade has already gone live in cities such as Manchester and Edinburgh, with customers noticing faster streaming, smoother browsing, and improved reliability at peak times.

Over the next year, EE plans to extend ARC across more of the UK’s busiest hubs, including London, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Belfast, Cardiff, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Sunderland. Customers using the latest 5G standalone (5GSA) devices from brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Honor will see the biggest benefits, as ARC is especially effective on EE’s 5G standalone network.

This announcement comes as EE accelerates the rollout of its 5G standalone service to millions more people across the country. By the end of December 2025, the network will be available in 17 additional towns and cities, including Southampton, Reading, Brighton and Hove, Oxford, Plymouth, and Portsmouth. EE’s ambition is to reach more than 41 million people by spring 2026, building on its current coverage of over 34 million.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, said: “EE customers are the first anywhere in the world to enjoy the benefits of ARC technology. By boosting capacity in this way, millions of our customers get faster speeds and a more reliable experience instantly. It’s another example of why EE continues to deliver the best mobile network experience in the UK.”

Highlighting the pace of deployment, McCall added: “We are building our 5G standalone network at record speed, connecting more communities and ensuring customers can take full advantage of the latest 5GSA-enabled smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Our goal is simple – to provide the most powerful and dependable 5G service in the UK.”

By working with Ericsson to deploy ARC and continuing its rapid 5G standalone expansion, EE is setting new benchmarks for mobile connectivity. With demand for high-speed, reliable networks continuing to rise, these advancements place EE at the forefront of 5G innovation and customer experience in the UK.

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SOURCE: British Telecommunications