EE’s 5G+ network crosses the 80% coverage threshold
In a press release dated 21 October 2026, EE – the flagship mobile brand of BT Group – announced that its enhanced 5G+ service now reaches more than 80 % of the UK population. The milestone comes just over two years after the operator launched the 5G+ brand, which combines carrier aggregation, higher‑order MIMO and the company’s ARC (Adaptive Radio Capacity) technology to deliver faster, more reliable connections.
The announcement is significant for Android‑phone shoppers because a larger 5G+ footprint translates into better performance for flagship devices that support the higher‑frequency bands and carrier‑aggregation features EE has rolled out.
New towns added to the map
EE highlighted a handful of towns that have just joined the 5G+ rollout:
- England: Bicester, Chester and Durham
- Northern Ireland: Portrush and Strabane
- Wales: Neath and Penarth
- Scotland: Greenock, Alexandria and parts of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
These locations were previously served by standard 4G or early‑stage 5G, so residents and commuters can now expect the higher download speeds and lower latency that 5G+ promises. For contract‑hunters, the expansion means more options for “5G‑ready” plans that bundle the latest Android handsets.
Usage is climbing – 5G+ now carries 10 % of traffic
EE reported that data traffic on its 5G+ network now accounts for just over 10 % of all traffic across the carrier’s mobile portfolio – a figure that is double what it was a year ago. The surge reflects both the growing number of 5G‑compatible Android phones on the market and the increasing appetite for data‑intensive services such as video streaming, cloud gaming and AR/VR applications.
For consumers, the uptick in 5G+ usage signals that the network is moving from a niche offering to a mainstream data conduit. Android‑phone owners who upgrade to a device with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or equivalent chipset will be able to tap the full potential of EE’s expanded capacity.
AI‑RAN trials slated for Birmingham in 2027
Looking beyond raw coverage, EE is preparing to trial an artificial‑intelligence‑driven radio access network (AI‑RAN) on its live network. Partnering with NVIDIA and Nokia, the first AI‑RAN sites are planned for Birmingham in 2027. The technology uses machine‑learning algorithms to optimise radio parameters in real time, potentially delivering faster speeds and more consistent connections during peak demand.
“We’re seeing real momentum behind 5G+ as we progress towards our goal of 99% population coverage by 2030,” said Greg McCall, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group.
If the Birmingham pilots prove successful, EE could roll AI‑RAN out to other high‑traffic urban areas, which would benefit Android users who rely on stable connections for mobile gaming, video calls and cloud‑backed productivity apps.
Microwave back‑haul gets a capacity boost
EE also announced a new benchmark for microwave back‑haul links – the point‑to‑point connections that tie remote cell sites to the core network. The carrier has deployed a 2.8 Gbps microwave link, a 40 % increase over the previous 2 Gbps standard. This upgrade is especially important for rural and semi‑rural sites where laying fibre is costly or impractical.
Higher back‑haul capacity means that even users in less‑dense areas can experience the full speed of 5G+ when they are within range of a cell site, reducing the risk of bottlenecks that can affect streaming or large‑file downloads on Android devices.
What the coverage boost means for Android‑phone buyers
- More devices can truly use 5G+ – Modern Android flagships (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S 24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro) support the carrier‑aggregation and high‑frequency bands that EE’s 5G+ network leverages. With coverage now at 80 %, users are less likely to fall back to 4G in everyday scenarios.
- Potential for better contract value – EE’s Fast Lane network‑slice, launched in August 2026, offers a dedicated slice of 5G+ capacity for consumers and small businesses. Android users on a Fast Lane‑enabled plan could see lower latency during rush‑hour periods, a selling point for data‑heavy contracts.
- Future‑proofing – The AI‑RAN trials suggest EE is planning to keep the network agile as data demands evolve. Early adopters of Android devices that support emerging standards (e.g., Wi‑Fi 7, 5G‑NR‑Advanced) will likely benefit first.
- Rural reliability – The upgraded microwave links improve the backbone for remote sites, meaning users in the newly‑covered Scottish national park or Welsh coastal towns can enjoy speeds comparable to urban centres.
Looking ahead – the road to 99 % coverage by 2030
EE’s roadmap targets 99 % of the UK population covered by 5G+ by March 2030. The current 80 % figure shows the rollout is on track, but the next phase will require dense small‑cell deployments in city centres and continued investment in back‑haul infrastructure.
For Android enthusiasts, the timeline aligns with the expected release cycles of next‑generation chipsets and the rollout of 5G‑NR‑Advanced features. Consumers who are shopping for a new contract now can lock in a device that will stay compatible with EE’s network as it matures.
Bottom line
EE’s latest coverage figures and usage statistics underline the rapid adoption of 5G+ across the UK. The addition of new towns, the doubling of data traffic on the network, and the upcoming AI‑RAN trials all point to a more capable and resilient mobile experience for Android users. As the carrier pushes toward near‑universal coverage, contract shoppers should keep an eye on EE’s 5G‑focused plans, especially those that bundle Fast Lane or other premium features, to maximise the value of their next Android handset.
