EE is closing in on its target of rolling out 5G standalone (5G SA) to more than 28 million people across 50 major towns and cities by the end of March 2025.
Having launched 5G SA in September 2024, EE is continuing to expand its network over the next few weeks to new locations, including Altrincham, Blackburn, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Corby, Cwmbran, Doncaster, Exeter, Huddersfield, Hyde, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Port Talbot, Rotherham, Sale, Sunderland, Wakefield, Walkden and Wilmslow.
Coinciding with the rollout, EE is making 5G SA available to all new and upgrading customers taking any EE handset plan from today.
The availability of smartphones and connected devices capable of using 5G SA has grown considerably since EE first launched its service, with brands including Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, Nokia, TCL and Honor now offering compatible smartphones – many of which also have built-in AI applications. One of the benefits of 5G SA is that it can provide a smoother experience for customers using the newest AI tools on their devices, such as Galaxy AI and Gemini AI.
“5G standalone is giving many customers a better and more reliable mobile experience, especially in busy locations. As we rapidly expand our network footprint to cover more than 40 per cent of the UK population, we are widening its accessibility so more people can benefit – especially those looking to harness the power of cutting-edge features on the newest smartphones,” said Malcolm Cubitt, director of mobile at EE.
Smartphones and tablets using 5G SA connect directly to a pure 5G network, rather than relying on 4G, so benefit from additional capacity to provide a better mobile experience in busy areas such as high streets, train stations and major stadiums – including at Wembley Stadium, where EE recently launched its 5G Sa network.