EE switches on 5G in three Yorkshire cities

EE has switched on its first 5G sites in Yorkshire, bringing the UK’s latest mobile technology to Leeds, Sheffield and Wakefield.

EE was the first to launch 5G in the UK when six cities were switched on in May, and since then it has been expanding its network on a daily basis. Today, EE has added 5G to the three Yorkshire cities, surpassing its target of introducing 5G to 16 UK cities in 2019.

The mobile network operator, part of BT Group, is leading the UK on 5G rollout, and has set the new aim of having 5G live in more than 70 cities and large towns by March 2020, in time for the next big 5G device launches.

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s consumer division, said: “We switched on the UK’s first 5G network in May, and this is another milestone towards keeping our customers connected 100% of the time. We’re leading the way in the UK, with 4G and 5G coverage in more places than any other operator. Adding 5G to more cities and towns – and expanding our 5G coverage in each place – is helping us to always deliver the best mobile experience to our customers.”

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “I’m thrilled that Leeds, Sheffield and Wakefield are amongst the first locations in the UK to receive 5G.

“This technology will provide faster mobile speeds than ever before. People will be able to download films onto their phone in seconds instead of minutes and will get a better connection even in the busiest places. 5G will also bring major benefits to businesses, and, as well as faster speeds it should enable more partnerships and innovation in key sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It’s excellent news that EE’s first 5G sites have been switched on in Leeds and Wakefield and that our residents and businesses will be among the first in the UK to benefit from this technology.

“We believe that 5G offers huge potential, not only through faster and more reliable mobile connections but also the ability to transform how we live and work. From downloading or streaming content on the go in busy places, to supporting innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, construction and manufacturing, 5G will become increasingly important over the next few years and it’s vital that here in Leeds City Region we’re at the forefront of this revolution in mobile technology as the UK’s digital heartland.

“This type of investment links with the objectives set out in our Leeds City Region Digital Framework to ensure that digital technologies have a beneficial impact for people and businesses across our region. We will continue to work with our council partners to unlock further digital investment from EE and other infrastructure providers and enhance economic prosperity for all our communities.”

Councillor Judith Blake, CBE, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s great news that EE’s first 5G sites have been switched on in Leeds and Wakefield.

“We have exciting digital ambitions for the region and the rollout of new technologies, such as 5G, is vitally important. 5G will bring major benefits, not only for general consumers who will receive faster mobile speeds and better connections, but also for SMEs and businesses across a range of industry sectors by encouraging a culture of innovation and smarter working.”

Councillor Terry Fox, Cabinet Member for Finance at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is great news for Sheffield that the roll out of 5G has begun.

“Sheffield City Council is committed to improving connectivity in the city to bring benefits to our residents and businesses. We’re working hard with operators to create the environment for them to invest in Sheffield as set out in the Sheffield Connectivity Strategy that has recently been approved by Cabinet.”

5G is built on top of EE’s award winning 4G network – customers will connect to both 4G and 5G at the same time to get the best possible experience, even in the most crowded areas.

EE customers with a 5G device on a 5G plan can enjoy 5G in the following cities and large towns today:

Cities: