BT Group announced on October 21, 2026, that its EE 5G+ network now covers more than 80 percent of the UK population. The company also announced plans to trial AI-RAN on its live network in Birmingham next year.
Network Expansion and Usage
BT Group stated that its EE 5G+ network now covers over 80 percent of the UK population, just over two years since its launch. The technology now carries more than 10 percent of all data traffic across EE's network, which is double the level from a year ago.
Recent locations to receive 5G+ include Bicester, Chester, Durham, Portrush, Strabane, Neath, Penarth, Greenock, Alexandria, and parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. BT stated it remains firmly on track toward its goal for 5G+ to cover 99 percent of the UK population by the end of March 2030.
Upcoming AI-RAN Trials and Capacity Upgrades
Working alongside NVIDIA and Nokia, BT plans to bring its first AI-RAN sites online in Birmingham next year to move the technology from laboratory testing to its live network. BT stated that AI-RAN could help provide faster data speeds and more consistent connections as customer demand changes.
Additionally, BT recently set a new benchmark for microwave capacity by delivering its first 2.8Gbps microwave link, providing 40 percent more capacity than its previous 2Gbps benchmark. Microwave links help connect mobile sites into the wider network where fibre is less practical, supporting growing data volumes in rural and semi-rural locations.
Key facts and where they come from
- EE's 5G+ network covers over 80% of the UK population.
EE’s 5G+ network now covers over 80% of the UK population
- The 5G+ technology carries more than 10% of all data traffic on EE's network.
5G+, with the technology now carrying more than 10% of all data traffic on EE’s network
- BT plans to bring its first AI-RAN sites online in Birmingham next year in partnership with NVIDIA and Nokia.
Working with NVIDIA and Nokia, BT plans to bring its first AI-RAN sites online in Birmingham next year
- BT delivered its first 2.8Gbps microwave link, achieving 40% more capacity than its previous 2Gbps benchmark.
successfully delivering its first 2.8Gbps microwave link, 40 per cent more capacity than its previous 2Gbps benchmark.
