• EE adds 5G to 13 new towns and cities, including Stockport and Swinton
• Ten places in Greater Manchester are now connected to EE’s 5G network including Ashton-under-Lyne, Bury, Milnrow, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Westhoughton
• 125 towns and cities now covered by EE’s award-winning 5G network
• EE named UK’s No. 1 network for gaming in independent tests from RootMetrics* as 5G network expansion continues
• All EE pay monthly smartphone plans provide 5G access as standard, allowing customers to make the most of the latest smartphones

EE today announced it has switched on its award-winning 5G network in two more Greater Manchester towns, bringing the total to ten places connected across the region.

Stockport and Swinton are among 13 new towns announced by EE to receive the latest mobile network technology. EE has already brought 5G services to places such as Manchester, Salford, Rochdale, Bury and Oldham.

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.”

Liz Needleman, BT Group, North of England, said:

“It’s fantastic to see more places in Greater Manchester benefit from 5G technology, as we connect more people than ever before to faster broadband speeds and more reliable connections at a time when it is most needed.

“In these unprecedented times, connectivity remains incredibly important to both consumers and businesses. The arrival of 5G in these towns will not only help people stay connected to family and friends but it will also benefit businesses and those who rely on fast and low latency connections, such as gamers.”

Stockport Council Leader, Cllr Elise Wilson, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has seen many of us switch to more digital technologies in our every day 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.

“5G coverage will also support our ambitions for the Mayoral Development Corporation, in making Stockport a hyperconnected town. 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 Greater Manchester to its network and this will only enhance Stockport’s reputation as a great place to live, work and do business.”

Chris Fletcher, Director of Campaigns and Marketing at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, added:

“Greater Manchester Chamber's members have consistently said that faster and more reliable digital connectivity is critical to enabling new ways of doing business and fostering innovation. It is also equally important for initiatives such as flexible working and green growth.

“I’m delighted that EE has connected more places in Greater Manchester to its 5G network. We believe this will unlock new opportunities for business and enhance our city region’s reputation as the place of choice to live, work and do business in.”

In addition to Stockport and Swinton, EE has today also added 5G to the following locations: Grimsby, Halifax, Ipswich, Leamington Spa, Middlesbrough, Neath, Portishead, St Albans,Burton, Cannock and Tamworth.

EE named UK’s No.1 network for gaming comes as EE is also set to imminently launch an exciting new mobile focused gaming bundle. Further details on this, including availability and eligibility - will be announced very shortly.