EE collaborates with Qualcomm to achieve a European first in 5G speeds

• EE becomes the first European network to successfully deliver 5G over seven combined spectrum carriers, delivering the network’s fastest 5G speeds to date
• Collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. sees spectrum aggregation across both 4G and 5G bands to boost EE’s network capacity
• New technology to be rolled out in major cities this year and will be supported by next generation of smartphones

EE has become the first European network to successfully aggregate a 5G signal using seven different spectrum carriers, including its existing 3.4GHz and new 3.6GHz 5G channels. This breakthrough will deliver new benefits for EE customers, with 5G data speeds topping 2.2Gbps in lab testing and expected real-world speeds of over 1.7Gbps on the network. The innovation means a major boost in 5G network capacity, using a total of 170 MHz of Bandwidth, and could deliver the fastest available 5G in some areas of the UK.

Working in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies at BT’s Borehamwood lab, the EE network can now deliver a 5G signal using seven radio carriers, including some spectrum EE acquired in Ofcom’s spectrum auction last year. Using five 4G (LTE) carriers and two 5G (New Radio), it is the first time any European network has achieved this feat. A mobile test device featuring the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform with Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System was used to achieve the milestone.

David Salam, Director of Mobile at BT, said: * * “Our commitment to technology investment and innovation, coupled with our leading 5G footprint, continues to see the EE network offer and sustain the best overall 5G experience in the UK. By pooling our research expertise with Qualcomm Technologies, we have been able to further enhance the EE network and will start to deliver some of Europe’s fastest 5G speeds in our major cities.”

Vikrant Jain, Director, Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., said: “We’re proud to have worked with EE to achieve such a notable milestone in the evolution of 5G technology. Aggregating seven (5LTE +2NR) different spectrum bands for 5G is a significant achievement and will provide enhanced customer experience. Qualcomm Technologies would like to congratulate EE as it remains at the forefront of 5G technology innovation.”

EE’s focus is always on providing the highest possible quality of experience. So far, it has launched 5G across hundreds of towns and cities, giving customers faster speeds, leading reliability and near instant connections to content. Last year, EE set out an ambition to deliver 5G connectivity solutions anywhere in the UK by 2028, through a combination of permanent coverage and on demand solutions.