- EE activates standalone 5G core network in 14 cities, expanding to more areas by the end of the year.
- The move follows Vodafone’s June launch, intensifying the competition between major UK mobile operators.
What happened: EE activates SA 5G in 14 cities
EE has launched its standalone 5G (5G SA) core network across 14 UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, marking a shift from the earlier non-standalone approach that relied on 4G infrastructure. The service, which promises improved network responsiveness and lower latency, is initially available to selected customers using compatible devices. EE, part of BT Group, said it plans to expand the 5G SA service to additional locations by the end of 2025.
This launch follows Vodafone’s introduction of its own 5G SA service in June, making EE the second operator in the UK to activate the technology. EE’s deployment uses Nokia and Ericsson equipment, aligning with its long-term radio access and core network partnerships. The service includes features like network slicing and dedicated bandwidth allocation, which aim to support use cases in gaming, industrial automation, and critical communications.
Also read: EE’s 5G standalone network prepares for mass rollout
Also read: Vodafone Egypt: 5G rollout, AI integration and local partnerships
Why it’s important
EE’s standalone 5G rollout signals a turning point in the UK’s mobile infrastructure. By detaching 5G services from the 4G core, operators can offer a wider set of performance and enterprise-grade features. This is expected to benefit sectors such as remote healthcare, smart transport, and edge computing. The activation also shows that the UK market is accelerating toward broader 5G adoption, despite economic constraints and spectrum challenges that have slowed progress in some regions.
With Vodafone already offering standalone 5G since June, competition between the two operators now shifts from speed to capability. Both providers are targeting use cases beyond consumer smartphones, such as IoT devices and private networks. EE’s move may also increase pressure on other UK operators, like Three and O2, to launch their own SA offerings to remain relevant in the business and government sectors. As 5G enters this new phase, the rollout’s success may depend more on service reliability and enterprise uptake than headline speeds.
