EE to launch the first 5G service in six cities across the UK

EE has announced plans to launch a 5G service in six cities across the UK on 30 May, in addition to its current number one rated 4G network.

This will be the first 5G service in the country, offering UK customers quicker and more reliable connectivity.

Alongside of this, EE will now be offering a new range of six smartphones and devices, as well as plans, all featuring 5G connection capabilities.

The range includes devices from Samsung, OnePlus, LG and Oppo, which are available to pre-order. 5GEE wifi and home broadband services will also be available.

In addition to the increased connectivity, the 5G Smart plans offer customers access to BT Sport HD HDR (High Dynamic Range), which provides improved TV image quality, as well as an exclusive Gamer’s Data Pass. Anytime upgrades and a warranty device for the contract duration are also included with the plans.

After the initial launch, EE’s 5G network will be switched on in more than 100 new sites per month nationally, including the busiest parts of Bristol, Coventry, Leicester, and more.

Plus, there are plans to bring 5G connectivity to an additional ten locations in the UK in 2020, with Aberdeen, Cambridge and Derby, amongst others, named in the announcement.

With 5G, customers are expected to experience increased speeds of 100-150Mbps.

EE also announced partnerships with Google and Niantic to use 5G connectivity to develop experiences.

This includes providing 5G connectivity at the Google for Startups Campus in London, as well as being the exclusive UK telecom launch partner for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, an augmented reality (AR) game, co-published and co-developed by WB Games San Francisco and Niantic Inc.

Marc Allera, CEO, BT Consumer division, commented: “This is the start of the UK’s 5G journey and great news for our customers that want and need the best connections. We’ve started with 5G in some of the busiest parts of the UK, the widest range of 5G devices in the UK, and plans that give customers the best mobile connection and great benefits.

“We’re adding 5G to the UK’s number one 4G network to increase reliability, increase speeds, and keep our customers connected where they need it most. 5G will create new experiences with augmented reality, make our customers’ lives easier, and help launch entirely new businesses that we haven’t even imagined. We’re upgrading more than 100 sites to 5G every month from today to connect more places to what 5G can enable.

“Our partnerships with Google and Niantic are just the start of our commitment to work with the most innovative and exciting companies in the world to ensure that EE customers are the first to benefit from the exciting new experiences that 5G will bring.”