EE has today launched its 5G data network to the public, marking the start of a new era in the UK's mobile capabilities.
The BT-owned operator is initially launching in six cities - London, Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester - with more to follow before the end of the year and into 2020.
5G technology is the next generation of mobile network and is expected to offer internet speeds several times that of current generation 4G.
EE has today launched its 5G data network to the public, marking the start of a new era in the UK's mobile capabilities. The BT-owned operator is initially launching in six cities. This image shows EE chief executive Marc Allera announcing the launch today
LG V50 ThinQ
Huawei Mate X
Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G
ZTE Axon 10 Pro
Oppo Reno 5G
Huawei Mate 20 X
Royole FlexPai
A number of 5G-capable handsets are available from Samsung, OnePlus, LG, HTC and Oppo.
Huawei has been left off amid ongoing tensions between the US and the Chinese company.
During last week's 5G announcement by EE, chief executive Marc Allera said it had decided to 'pause' the sale of Huawei 5G phones.
He added that the firm won't be stocking the handsets 'until we get the information and confidence and the long-term security that our customers - when they buy those devices - are going to be supported for the lifetime that they've got the device with us'.
EE is planning to reach 1,500 sites by the end of 2019, including the 'busiest parts' of Bristol, Coventry, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.
5G technology is the next generation of mobile network and is expected to offer internet speeds several times that of current generation 4G. This map shows where it is being rolled out
The operator celebrated the launch last night with a 5G-powered gig by London rapper Stormzy.
Vodafone has also been investing heavily in 5G and announced earlier this month its plan to launch in July.
Vodafone will switch on its 5G network for both consumers and business customers in seven cities across the UK on 3 July 2019.
It is also offering 5G roaming in Germany, Italy and Spain over the summer.
Vodafone may have been the first to announce an official date, but EE has undercut this by more than a month.
It will launch initially in seven cities, compared to EE's six, with just London, Cardiff and Manchester hosting both networks.
Vodafone will also be in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool.
Myriad other smaller cities will then get 5G throughout the year, including Stoke, Blackpool and Portsmouth.
EE is planning to reach 1,500 sites by the end of 2019, including the 'busiest parts' of Bristol, Coventry, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield (stock image)
