Mobile network operator EE is expanding its 5G network across the UK with new technology it claims could boost the signal of 34 million people, but several hurdles stand in the way of you and a truly better connected phone.
First, the announcement. EE is expanding what’s known as its 5G standalone network, so-called because this 5G network is technologically separated from the older, still-used 4G network.
EE claims 5G standalone can deliver faster speeds and more reliable connections for smartphones, particularly in busy areas such as city centres and stadium events, where phone signal can often be unreliable due to the number of people trying to use their devices.
By the end of August, EE is promising this 5G technology will be available in 45 new locations including Aberdeen, Canterbury, Ipswich, Loughborough, Paignton, Windsor and Wrexham, with total coverage across the country available to 34 million people.
But that’s not the number of EE customers who will benefit, merely the number of people in those areas who could sign up to a 5G standalone plan. Even if you are an EE customer at the moment, you won’t necessarily get this new boost for free, either.
According to EE’s website, these are the requirements to use 5G standalone:
- An All Rounder or Full Works pay monthly mobile plan bought after 29 August 2024.
- A pay monthly handset plan bought after 19 March 2025.
- A SIM card activated after September 2021, or any eSIM.
- A compatible device.
- Be in a 5G Standalone coverage area.
That’s a lot of hoops to jump through, and potential new expense. The firm’s All Rounder and Full Works plans are among its pricier offerings.
Buying an iPhone 16 today from EE on a 36 month contract and the All Rounder plan will set you back £64.21 per month, landing you with a total nill over three years that stretches well over £2,000.
EE’s list of compatible 5G standalone devices also includes many popular Apple and Android devices, but notably doesn’t include the iPhone 14 and iPhones older than that.
“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,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group.
“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.”
Though 5G standalone technology does appear to offer tangible benefits to UK mobile consumers, at this early stage you may feel it’s not worth the extra spend to get in on the action.
To see if your area is covered by EE’s 5G standalone network you can use the operator’s postcode checker tool.
EE said its 5G standalone network is already available in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Altrincham, Barrow-in-Furness, Barry, Bath, Belfast, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bradford, Bridgend, Bristol, Bury, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Corby, Coventry, Cwmbran, Doncaster, Dudley, Dundee, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Hull, Hyde, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newport, Nottingham, Port Talbot, Rotherham, Sale, Sheffield, St Helens, Stockport, Sunderland, Swansea, Wakefield, Walkden, Weston Super Mare, Wigan, Wilmslow and Wolverhampton.