EE brings 5G to the UK for the first time with switch on of live 5G site in Canary Wharf trial
- EE’s first live 5G trial will take place in Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf, one of the most popular destinations in London
- UK’s first live 5G trial will test 5G spectrum and device for performance, speeds and coverage
- Partnership with Canary Wharf Group to install next generation of mobile technology to benefit consumers and businesses
EE, part of the BT Group, has switched on its first live 5G trial site. This will be the UK’s first live 5G trial, and is a major milestone in the rollout of the next generation of mobile networks.
The live trial will be held in Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf. With 150,000 people coming to the Canary Wharf estate every day, the site is one of the most popular regions in the country and attracts consumers and businesses that require world-class connectivity.
High capacity zone testing is a critical part of EE’s 5G launch program, with the first phase of roll-out targeting ‘hotspots’ across the UK – the places that have the greatest number of people using the most mobile data. EE will make ten more sites live for consumer and business technology trials in east London later this month.
Greg McCall, MD of Converged Services Platform at BT Group, said: “This is the latest milestone in our 5G rollout – a live test of our 5G network, in a hugely busy ‘hotspot’, where we know there’s going to be demand from customers for increased mobile capacity. With constant upgrades to 4G, and laying the foundations for 5G, we’re working to always be able to deliver what our customers need – both consumers and the vertical industries that will make the greatest use of 5G. We were UK pioneers with 4G and today we saw the UK’s first live connections on 5G - this is a huge step forward for our digital infrastructure.”
Mark Nallen, Head of Technology and Innovation, Canary Wharf Group, said: “Staying at the forefront of connectivity and new technologies is critical to our community, and that’s why we’re partnering with BT Group to support delivery of 5G. The consumers who live and work here will benefit from being better connected, and the enterprises based here will have the chance to partner with BT Group to understand the full capabilities of 5G.”
Canary Wharf Group has a long history of supporting innovation relating to digital infrastructure and mobile technology. It is home to Level39, the tech community of 1,250 start-ups with a diverse range of specialisms including fintech and cybersecurity. During the trial, Canary Wharf Group will also be launching Wood Wharf, a major new mixed-use development designed for residential, retail and London’s technology businesses.
The trial is part of EE’s journey to a smart, converged network, enabled by 5G. It will establish 5G coverage from the site, and the performance of 5G ‘New Radio’ running over the new 3.4GHz spectrum, acquired in the Ofcom auction earlier this year.
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About 5G
- 5G is the next generation of mobile technology
- 5G will use brand new technology and radio waves to deliver the fastest and most reliable mobile connectivity ever
- This first trial will prove how new 5G equipment works in the real world
- 5G will be key for developing future smart technologies, businesses and products.
- 5G will be a vital part of the UK’s digital infrastructure
- 5G will have the ability to bring the UK’s fastest broadband into your home without a cable
About Canary Wharf Group:
Canary Wharf Group plc has overseen the largest urban regeneration project ever undertaken in Europe, designing and building more than 16.5m sq. ft of London real estate, which now houses local and international companies and renowned retailers.
The Canary Wharf Estate is a major retail destination comprising around 1m sq ft across five shopping malls, including the award-winning leisure development, Crossrail Place, housing one of London’s most stunning roof gardens. It also has world-class, year-round arts and events programme offering over 200 diverse and culturally inspiring events performed throughout the Estate.
Canary Wharf Group is a wholly owned joint venture between Brookfield Property Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority.
Website: www.canarywharf.com
Instagram: @canarywharflondon Twitter @CanaryWharfGrp; @CanaryWharfLondon; @Level39CW
About EE
EE is the largest and most advanced mobile operator in the UK, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to its customers. EE is part of BT’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK.
EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast 4G in more places than any other operator after pioneering the UK's first superfast 4G mobile service in October 2012. Today, EE has more than 600 shops across the UK, and EE's 4G coverage extends to 90% of the UK’s landmass.
EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being ranked the UK's best overall network by RootMetrics®; Best Network for five years in a row at the Mobile Choice Awards; Best Network at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Mobile News Awards; Best Consumer Network at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Mobile Industry Awards; as well as Fastest Network and Best Network Coverage at the 2017 uSwitch Mobile Awards.
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