EE launches UK's first 5G network in six cities

Image Credit: EE (Image credit: EE)

Mobile carrier EE has launched the UK's first 5G network in six cities, ushering in a new era of connectivity for not only our smartphones, but a whole host of smart devices.

EE's 5G network has been switched on in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester, but you won't just need to live in one of these locations to benefit from 5G.

For now, the 5G coverage in these locations doesn't cover the entirety of the cities, so you may have to move around to find a 5G connection.

What is 5G?

5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before.

Read more about 5G

You'll also need a 5G compatible phone and a 5G mobile contract to access the fifth generation of network technology.

At launch EE is offering just one 5G handset, the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G, but from June 7 it will add the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, LG V50 ThinQ 5G and Oppo Reno 5G to its 5G line-up (they are all currently available for pre-order).

There is also a premium to pay, with EE's 5G contracts more expensive than its 4G plans.

Faster, more reliable internet

5G is billed to deliver a much faster and more reliable internet connection to your smartphone, allowing you to download apps, games, movies and music in a flash.

The speed should be far superior to what you get with 4G, although it will be dependent on a number of factors, including how close you are to a 5G mast.

At the time of writing it's not clear how much of the launch cities are covered by EE's 5G network, but we'll be getting a handset today to put it to the test.

For those disappointed by the limited roll-out across the country, there's some good news, as EE promises to bring its 5G network to a further 10 locations by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Vodafone will join the 5G future on July 3 in seven locations, with a total of 19 locations connected before the year is out.

Latest in Mobile phones
5G phones
Half of all smartphones sold in 2023 'will be 5G'
Vodafone extends UK 5G network to 8 more towns and cities
Sprint 5G logo on LG V50
Sprint 5G arrives where people actually live
The king of 5G smartphones is here with the HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G)
iPhone
Many iPhone owners don't know if their device is 5G capable, according to survey
5G smartphone shipments will overtake 4G by 2023
Latest in News
Ericsson
5G is now available in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur
Apple
Apple’s iPhone SE 3 5G phone tipped to convert a billion Android phone users
Oppo
Meet the Oppo Find N foldable 5G phone
Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners
Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners to acquire 5G innovator Dense Air
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
2G and 3G to be phased out by 2033 increasing the capacity of the UK’s 5G coverage
Image by Alexander Gresbek from Pixabay
Malaysia telcos call for a second 5G provider