EE launches Fast Lane network slice on its 5G+ network
EE launched Fast Lane, a network feature for consumers and small businesses on EE’s 5G+ network. The service is positioned for times when network demand rises, with the stated goal of maintaining connection performance during congestion.
The rollout follows trials of 5G+ network slicing over the previous two years at events and locations across the UK, including Wembley Stadium, Belfast Christmas Market, Sail GP in Portsmouth, this year’s EE BAFTAs, and Royal Welsh Show 2026. EE also stated that its 5G+ network is available to around 54 million people and that it plans to make 5G+ available to 99% of the population by the end of March 2030 as part of a £40 billion investment into the UK this decade.
Fast Lane works by anticipating network congestion and moving customer connections into a dedicated section of EE’s 5G+ network. The feature is described as enabling uninterrupted speed for activities such as streaming, sharing, and video calling, as well as message and navigation access. EE said it is designed for high-footfall moments such as rush hour and major events.
EE described Fast Lane as the UK’s first commercial network slice. Claire Gillies, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division, said: “Powered by our advanced 5G+ network, Fast Lane gives our customers access to a dedicated 5G+ lane at the busiest times. Whether they’re live streaming a special moment from a sell-out gig or processing mobile payments and ticketing at a festival, Fast Lane helps keep customers connected even when thousands of people around them are trying to connect at the same time. This innovation builds on years of investment in EE’s 5G+ network and real-world network slicing trials, marking another milestone for the UK’s best network.” EE also said consumers can access Fast Lane through the Full Works Plus premium pay-monthly handset plan, and that it is available from today to new and re-signing small business customers taking out an EE Full Works business plan on a 5G+ compatible handset.
EE said eligible customers will see a 5G+ icon appear on their smartphones, with rollout already available on new and select Android devices and planned for wider deployment later this year.
Press release, originally published at newsroom.bt.com.