EE Announces Major Free 5G Network Upgrades for Millions of Customers

Published: 09 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

UK mobile operator EE has unveiled a significant series of network upgrades aimed at improving the speed, reliability, and overall performance of its 5G services for millions of customers across the country. The telecommunications firm confirmed that it is now the first mobile operator globally to activate Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology, a development that promises faster, more consistent performance for 5G users.

According to EE, ARC enables smoother download speeds, more reliable video streaming, and stronger smartphone connections on the EE 5G network. The technology is already live in Manchester and Edinburgh, with plans to expand to other major cities including London, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Cardiff, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Sunderland over the coming year. EE noted that customers using the latest 5G standalone devices, whether on iOS or Android, are expected to experience the most significant performance improvements.

In addition to the rollout of ARC, EE continues to expand its 5G standalone network to 17 additional towns and cities across the UK. These new locations include Basildon, Bolton, Brighton & Hove, Colchester, Gloucester, Lincoln, Maidstone, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northampton, Oxford, Plymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, and Telford. This expansion builds on a previous announcement in July, when 45 locations were confirmed to receive the standalone 5G service.

However, there is an important consideration for some users: 5G standalone technology is only compatible with select smartphones. EE has provided a full list of supported devices on its website, noting that the oldest compatible iPhone is the 2023 iPhone 15.

These network enhancements demonstrate EE’s continued investment in mobile infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and improving user experience. For customers, the upgrades offer not just faster speeds but more reliable connectivity, a crucial factor in an era where mobile devices are central to both work and leisure. By combining ARC technology with the ongoing expansion of standalone 5G, EE is positioning itself as a leader in advanced mobile connectivity, ensuring that its subscribers can fully benefit from the latest innovations in telecommunications.

The upgrades are expected to significantly reduce network congestion in high-traffic areas and improve service stability during peak usage, delivering a more seamless experience for millions of people relying on EE’s network for everyday communications, entertainment, and business activities.