5G switch-on in three Staffordshire towns
EE has switched on its 5G network in three more Staffordshire towns, bringing the total to six places connected across the county.
Burton-Upon-Trent, Cannock and Tamworth are among 13 new towns announced by EE to receive the latest mobile network technology. EE has already brought 5G services to Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford.
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 today named the UK’s no.1 network for gaming. According to the latest independent testing by RootMetrics, EE’s network recorded the fastest aggregate median download speed of any network, the lowest packet loss, and the lowest jitter** during Rootmetrics UK-wide testing.
Network insights from EE show increased appetite for mobile gaming. The launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in November 2020 saw peak traffic for gaming services increase by more than 50 per cent compared to the same time the month before. Mobile traffic for PlayStation alone increased almost three-fold between October and November 2020.
Marc Allera, CEO 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 cabinet member responsible for infrastructure 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.”
In addition to Burton, Cannock and Tamworth, EE has today also added 5G to the following locations: Grimsby, Halifax, Ipswich, Leamington Spa, Middlesbrough, Neath, Portishead, St Albans, Stockport and Swinton.
