EE unveils advanced technology and bold policy calls to drive 5G+ connectivity and economic growth

EE unveils advanced technology and bold policy calls to drive 5G+ connectivity and economic growth

(IN BRIEF) EE has set an ambitious target to bring 5G standalone coverage, branded as 5G+, to 99% of the UK population by the end of FY30, outpacing rival operators by four years. The company is leveraging groundbreaking technologies, including Europe’s first deployment of Ericsson’s AIR 3284 Massive MIMO units, the expansion of over 1,500 small cells across key cities, and the global debut of Advanced RAN Coordination. EE stresses that advanced mobile connectivity is not just about lifestyle convenience but a critical driver of economic growth, with a joint study suggesting improvements could unlock £230 billion for the UK. The company is urging Government to support the rollout through policy reforms and spectrum access while acknowledging that additional efforts will be needed to resolve coverage gaps in areas such as railways. Positioned as the UK’s most trusted connector under BT, EE aims to ensure reliable, future-ready mobile connectivity that powers both everyday life and long-term prosperity.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — EE is reaffirming its role as the backbone of the UK’s most memorable events, from the energy of the Cheltenham Festival and the spectacle of SailGP to the final Oasis concerts at Wembley. As people increasingly value being constantly connected, EE is setting a bold new target for its network ambitions.

The company has announced plans to deliver nationwide 5G standalone (5G+) coverage to 99% of the UK population by the end of FY30—four years earlier than any other mobile operator’s current commitments. With a network already capable of handling up to 100 times the capacity of 4G, EE is positioning itself to deliver reliable, high-performance mobile internet, even in the busiest locations.

To achieve this goal, EE is deploying cutting-edge innovations to enhance connectivity. It has become the first mobile operator in Europe to introduce Ericsson’s AIR 3284, the world’s first 5G triple-band FDD Massive MIMO radio, with two units already live in Leeds and more planned nationwide. EE has also expanded its network of small cells to over 1,500, adding 500 in the past year alone and reaching cities including Belfast, Bristol, Oxford, Middlesbrough, Preston, and Bolton. Additionally, EE recently became the world’s first operator to launch Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC), a breakthrough that allows nearby mobile sites to share capacity and significantly boost performance.

Recognising the importance of making technology accessible, EE will brand its 5G standalone network as “5G+” rather than using technical terms like 5GSA, giving customers a clearer understanding of its benefits.

Alongside network innovation, EE is calling for stronger policy support to accelerate rollout and unlock the full economic potential of advanced connectivity. A joint report with Assembly highlights that continuous improvements in mobile network quality could generate up to £230 billion in economic growth for the UK. EE argues that a Government-led Mobile Market Review would help accelerate progress by streamlining planning processes, increasing spectrum availability, and potentially removing spectrum licence fees. The company also notes the need for digital transformation in public services and SME sectors to maximise the benefits of enhanced connectivity.

While EE’s 99% 5G+ coverage ambition represents a major step forward, the company recognises that targeted measures will still be needed for specific challenges, such as improving connectivity along rail corridors.

Backed by BT’s mission to be the UK’s most trusted connector, EE’s vision is to drive growth, strengthen digital infrastructure, and secure the UK’s position as a leader in mobile connectivity for the future.

Media contact:
https://www.bt.com/media-enquiries

SOURCE: British Telecommunications