EE customers are about to benefit from a major coverage milestone as the operator rolls out its 5G standalone network. This summer, EE expects its standalone 5G to reach more than 34 million people across the UK.
By the end of the summer holidays, EE anticipates that its most advanced form of 5G will cover over half of the UK population. If achieved, this rapid expansion would make it the country’s largest standalone 5G network in under a year.
EE has prioritised improving signal strength in busy urban centres, popular holiday destinations, and major venues—including stadiums that host large events. The rollout continues: EE aims to extend standalone 5G to more than 41 million people by spring 2026.
Residents in places such as Carlisle, Chesterfield, Stoke-on-Trent, and York have already experienced better connectivity. Over the next month, another 38 locations will gain access, including larger centres like Aberdeen, Derby, and Norwich, alongside towns such as Canterbury, Great Malvern, Salisbury, and Windsor.
This upgrade isn’t limited to faster browsing. EE has also activated Voice over 5G, which reduces call setup delays and improves call reliability, making voice communications quicker and more dependable.
What distinguishes 5G standalone is that, unlike early 5G deployments that relied on existing 4G infrastructure, it is a purpose-built network. That foundation delivers smoother streaming, fewer interruptions, faster uploads, and a markedly improved experience for gaming and video calls. Indoor performance is also better compared with previous generations.
Stand-alone 5G is designed to cope with high-density environments—concerts, busy train stations, and other crowded venues—offering up to 100 times the capacity of 4G. That capacity helps keep connections stable and fast even when thousands of people are using their devices simultaneously.
Beyond consumer benefits, the expansion of this new infrastructure is expected to boost the UK economy significantly, supporting productivity gains and new business opportunities.
Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, said: “Whether you are video calling from a crowded train station, livestreaming on social media from a sold-out concert, or simply staying in touch with your family and friends over the summer holidays, 5G standalone on EE makes your experience smoother, faster, and more secure.
“Delivering a high-quality mobile experience every day for millions of people is what matters to us. It’s what has driven us to build the UK’s most reliable network and why we’re now delivering 5G standalone to more people in more places across the UK.”
Device compatibility with 5G standalone has grown quickly; most smartphones released in recent years from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google support the standard.
Connecting to the network is straightforward: you need to be in a covered area, have a compatible device, and use the correct SIM or eSIM with an appropriate plan. EE is making 5G standalone the default for new plans and phone upgrades, simplifying access for customers.
(Image credit: BT Group)
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