Mobile operator EE says it has given some of its customers a free 5G network upgrade, opening up wider smartphone access to newer dedicated 5G signal masts across the country.

The mobile provider claims access to 5G+, the firm’s rebranded name for ‘5G standalone’ technology, improves mobile data speeds and reliability for compatible smartphones across the UK. 5G standalone networks are run on a dedicated 5G infrastructure, rather than being built on top of the infrastructure of older 4G networks in order to provide 5G signal.

EE, which is owned by BT, said it had recently upgraded more than 500,000 on pay monthly handset plans taken out between September 2024 and March 2025 to offer them access to 5G+ “at no extra cost”.

“5G+ is currently available on all EE pay monthly handset plans, as well as its Full Works and All Rounder SIM-only plans,” EE said in a press release. “With more than 15 percent of all EE pay monthly customers now accessing 5G+, millions of people in the UK are now benefiting every day from the enhanced network performance it offers.”

The operator said it aims to serve 99 percent of the UK population with 5G+ coverage by 2030. Its latest coverage push has seen 20 new towns and cities gain access to the technology: Ballymena, Burton-on-Trent, Chelmsford, Dewsbury, Ellesmere Port, Gateshead, Greenock, Hamilton, Hartlepool, Hatfield, Hereford, Londonderry, Newark, Oldham, Rochdale, Solihull, Stafford, Stevenage, Tamworth and Warwick.

EE said this latest rollout could benefit 1.6 million people in terms of those technically served by the new locations – though not all those people will be EE customers. The provider said 5G+ is now available, by the same measure, to more than 44 million people across the country.

“This time of year is all about connecting with the people and things we care about most,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group.

“With millions of people travelling to visit family, heading to the high street for their gifts, and enjoying the best festive events the UK has to offer, we’re expanding EE’s 5G+ network so the nation can benefit from its high capacity, ultra-reliable connectivity and stay connected to what matters to them this Christmas.”

Even if you are on a plan that includes access to 5G+, you need a compatible smartphone in order to access the masts and their signal. EE has a full list of compatible devices, which includes phones made by Apple, Google, HMD, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, Oppo, Samsung, Sony and TCL.

Select tablets are also compatible, including the latest cellular iPads.