EE to extend 5G coverage nationwide by 2028

EE has announced plans to offer all its customers a 5G service by 2028 no matter where they are in the UK.

The mobile network hopes to have connected all of its customers to 5G by the end of the decade, whether they are on a train, a rural area, or even on a flight.

The company’s intermediary goal is to have at least half of the UK covered by its 5G network by the end of 2023.

EE’s parent company, BT, has also announced plans to connect the entire country to 5G via a unified fibre, Wi-Fi, and mobile infrastructure.

BT claims its plans will be a major leap forward for the country, as it will not only contribute to the economy, but will create more opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

The telecoms giant’s plans are already underway, with BT currently working on improving its fibre connections and 5G services in tandem.

Demand for faster internet connections has increased within the UK, with more people working from home and utilising video conferencing, as well as streaming 4K HD content and playing online games.

Reports from BT suggest that the demand for mobile network capacity increases by a whopping 40% annually.

BT recently secured a new 700MHz 5G spectrum at an Ofcom auction, and expanded the reach of its signal by 4,500 square miles. The company is also working on developing satellites, drones, and portable cells to offer more ‘on demand’ solutions.

Chief Executive of BT Group, Philip Jansen, said: “Over the past 18 months we’ve helped the UK to meet the demands of a pandemic. We must now look ahead to deliver the strongest foundations to drive future growth. We’re making a uniquely ambitious, long-term commitment to drive high performance 5G further and faster, and to integrate it at the core with our fibre network for a seamless customer experience. Openreach was first to fibre, EE was first to 5G and together BT will be first to a fully converged future.”

BT will be holding a series of events and customer experiences this summer to showcase what a 5G future would look like.