The operator has expanded its 5G+ network to 44 million people across the UK, reaching 66% of the population
EE has accelerated its 5G+ rollout, reaching more than 44 million people just over a year after launch and exceeding its original coverage target five months early. The operator had initially aimed to make the technology available to 41 million people, equivalent to 60% of the UK population, by spring 2026.
The latest expansion brings 5G+ connectivity to 20 additional towns and cities, extending coverage to a further 1.6 million people. New locations include Chelmsford, Solihull, Gateshead, Londonderry, Hereford and Hartlepool, among others. The network is now available in all major UK cities and most populous towns.
As part of the rollout, EE has also granted 5G+ access to more than 500,000 existing customers who took out pay monthly handset plans between September 2024 and March 2025 and have compatible devices. The operator said that over 15% of all pay monthly customers now use 5G+.
BT Group chief networks officer Greg McCall said the expansion provides high capacity, ultra-reliable connectivity in areas with high demand for mobile services, particularly in high streets and city centres where network congestion can affect performance.
Beyond enhanced download and upload speeds, EE has been testing network slicing capabilities on its 5G+ infrastructure. The operator has completed several trials at major events over the past year, including at Belfast Christmas market, Sail GP in Portsmouth and England football matches at Wembley Stadium. Network slicing allows operators to guarantee quality of experience and deliver tailored connectivity services to both consumer and business customers.
5G+ remains available on all EE pay monthly handset plans and its Full Works and All Rounder SIM-only plans. The operator’s long-term deployment strategy targets 99% UK population coverage by spring 2030.
