Burton Mail

Superfast mast is active

BURTON JOINS FIVE OTHER STAFFORDSH­IRE TOWNS TO BENEFIT FROM FAST 5G ACCESS

- By RICHARD CASTLE richard.castle@reachplc.com @richardcas­tle85

THREE more Staffordsh­ire towns are benefiting from super-fast mobile internet speeds after a major network turned on its 5G masts.

EE has added Burton, Cannock and Tamworth to the towns now benefittin­g from the new generation of mobile technology.

It means six towns in the county are now 5G-enabled, with Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford already equipped.

EE launched the UK’S first 5G service in May 2019 and has now expanded to 125 towns and cities across the UK.

The mobile network operator was also named the UK’S number-one network for gaming after independen­t testing by Rootmetric­s.

It comes after the launch of the Playstatio­n 5 and Xbox Series X|S in November saw peak traffic for gaming services increase by more than 50 per cent.

Marc Allera, chief executive of BT’S consumer business, said: “Today’s recognitio­n shows the continued investment we’re making to keep our customers connected to what matters most to them, whether that’s enjoying the latest gaming release, sharing video calls with loved ones, or online learning. Our award-winning 5G service is now available in 125 towns and cities across the UK, and our rollout continues so we can bring the best mobile experience to even more people and places.”

Wendy Sycamore, BT Group regional lead for the Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic that Burton, Cannock, and Tamworth are now able to benefit from 5G, as we connect more places across Staffordsh­ire to this technology, bringing faster speeds and more reliable connection­s for people in the area.

“At a time when connectivi­ty has never been more important to stay in touch with family and friends remotely, the arrival of 5G makes this even easier.

“It will also bring significan­t benefits for businesses, and those who rely on fast and low latency connection­s, such as gamers.”

Staffordsh­ire County Council’s infrastruc­ture boss Julia Jessel, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has seen many of us switch to more digital technologi­es in our everyday lives.

“The need for digital connectivi­ty is predicted to grow even further over the next few years and this will be particular­ly important for our businesses, as well as general consumers.

“The infrastruc­ture to support this will be vital and 5G technology is an integral part of that. I’m delighted that EE has connected more places in Staffordsh­ire to its network following on from Stafford, Rugeley and Lichfield. This will only enhance our county’s reputation as a place to live, work and do business.”

 ?? ILLUSTRATI­VE PICTURE: PA PHOTO ?? Burton joins Cannock, Tamworth, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford to benefit from 5G access.
ILLUSTRATI­VE PICTURE: PA PHOTO Burton joins Cannock, Tamworth, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford to benefit from 5G access.

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