• UK hits 92% population 5G coverage, now pivoting to 5G SA to enable advanced applications
• Major investments and regulatory support critical to address UK’s low‑performance ranking and outdated infrastructure
What happened：UK operators move to 5G standalone
Ericsson says the UK has hit a turning point: with 92% of the population now covered by non‑standalone 5G, the next step is full 5G Standalone (SA) deployment. Unlike earlier networks using 4G cores, SA integrates a dedicated 5G core and radio access network (RAN), unlocking network slicing, ultra‑low latency and enterprise services.
By the end of August 2025, EE will extend SA coverage to more than half the UK population, while Virgin Media O2 is investing £700 million this year in upgrading its core network. The £15 billion Vodafone–Three merger includes plans to build one of Europe’s most advanced 5G SA systems, aiming for near‑universal coverage by 2034.
Telecoms are also shifting to cloud‑native cores. Three UK recently surpassed two terabits per second in throughput—double its 2023 milestone—highlighting how core modernisation is improving network performance at scale.
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
This transition represents more than just expanding coverage; it’s about building a strategic platform for digital transformation. With 5G SA, UK operators can offer dedicated slices for industries, live events and smart city infrastructure. Trials by BT and Ericsson at Glastonbury and SailGP have demonstrated tangible gains in performance and monetisation opportunities.
But challenges loom. The UK ranks just 22nd in Europe for 5G speeds, with London lagging behind other major capitals. Structural planning hurdles, spectrum allocation issues and uneven investment patterns are cited as risks to national competitiveness. Industry leaders argue that coordinated rollout, regulatory alignment and private–public partnerships will determine whether the UK can turn coverage into capability.
