Several members of ISPreview’s forum community have spotted that broadband ISP and mobile network operator EE (BT) appears to have quietly introduced new / revamped UK plans, which include the first support for their latest 5G Standalone (5G SA) mobile broadband technology. Faster speeds, network prioritisation and other benefits are expected.
The majority of UK 5G mobile networks today are Non-Standalone (NSA), which means they are still partly reliant on older and slower 4G infrastructure. But SA networks are pure end-to-end 5G that can deliver ultra-low latency times, greater energy efficiency, better upload speeds, network slicing, improved support for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, support for Voice over New Radio (VoNR or Vo5G) and increased reliability and security etc.
So far we’ve already seen both Vodafone (here) and O2 / Virgin Media (here) launching 5G SA services in the UK, initially across the busiest parts of several major cities. Meanwhile, the BT Group has previously said that they intended, via EE, to follow suit during the second half of 2024 (here).
However, an interesting thing happened on 29th August 2024 after EE quietly updated their T&Cs (here) and website to include 5G SA on several of their premium plans. This came alongside the option of a ‘Network Boost‘ that may also make it possible to add to other plans, but at present this is restricted to two plans.
Extract from the New Terms & Conditions
5G Standalone
Available to customers on an All Rounder or Full Works plan. Connect in selected 5G Standalone ready locations across the UK using a compatible device. For coverage, see ee.co.uk/why-ee/5g-on-ee
Network Boost
Available to customers on an All Rounder or Full Works plan. Prioritises data coverage to your phone in busy or crowded areas. No prioritisation of calls or texts. Available to customers in selected locations across the UK.
The new plans have some other changes too and also appear to be a bit more expensive, although our main focus today is on the addition of 5G SA. At present, little is known about the initial launch coverage of the new feature or precisely what sort of performance gain can be expected, but that will have to wait for the official announcement. The usual caveats of variable device support may also apply.
Personally speaking, yours truly prefers a more simplistic approach, where enhancements like 5G SA are just included by default and the base plans are kept very simple. I have never been a particularly big fan of making mobile plans too complicated via a myriad of add-ons or extras (upsell), which just makes it harder to compare the value of what you are getting. But each to their own.
We have asked EE to comment.