EE set to launch 5G network in Cardiff

EE IS to launch 5G mobile connectivity in 16 UK cities in 2019, the telecoms firm has said.

The company, which is part of the BT Group, will roll out the new network within Cardiff, London, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as Birmingham and Manchester first.

The firm is currently running two trials of 5G connectivity in Canary Wharf and east London to test the real-world use of the new, faster networks.

The next generation of wireless mobile connections, 5G is expected to offer significant speed increases on 4G.

Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff council, said: “It’s great news to hear that Cardiff is one of six UK cities chosen by EE to begin its 5G rollout. This can only help enhance Cardiff’s business credentials when we speak to major companies and employers who are thinking about basing their operations here.

“The 5G rollout from EE supports our digital strategy and our ambition to fully modernise and integrate our public services. We know that demands for even more data will increase and the arrival of 5G will ensure Cardiff remains one of the most connected and competitive cities in the UK.”

Chief executive of BT’s consumer division Marc Allera said: “Adding 5G to the UK’s numberone 4G network will increase reliability, increase speeds, and keep our customers connected where they need it most.

“This is another milestone for the UK and for our network journey – we’ll keep evolving as we move to one, smart network for our customers.

“We have an ambition to connect our customers to 4G, 5G or WiFi 100% of the time.”

As well as the initial six cities, EE said it would introduce the network to 10 more cities throughout 2019 – Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry and Bristol – reaching a total of 1,500 sites during the year.