Responding to the needs of businesses and following multiple real-world trials of 5G+ (5G standalone) network slicing over the past two years, UK operator EE has launched Fast Lane.
According to EE, Fast Lane offers the UK’s first commercial network slice that gives users dedicated 5G+ connectivity and the highest performance 5G+ lane on its mobile network even at the busiest times on the network. Fast Lane has been specifically designed for use in high-footfall moments of the day such as rush hour and major events.
The new service gives businesses an additional boost to connectivity on EE’s 5G+ network when the network is busy. It does this by anticipating network congestion and moving them “seamlessly” into EE’s dedicated Fast Lane so they can continue to stream, share and access the platforms without slowing down. When the network anticipates congestion, eligible users are moved onto a dedicated section of its 5G+ network to help maintain network performance.
The launch also moves EE’s own network-slicing programme from event-based trials into a standardised tariff feature, enabling the operator to monetise 5G standalone using differentiated network performance to create a targeted customer proposition. The trial included supporting point-of-sale terminals at Belfast Christmas Market and the Royal Welsh Show, enabling media to broadcast HD video and photo with low-latency, as well as powering a 360-degree AR/VR fan experience at Great Britain SailGP.
Looking at use cases for the new services, EE said for business connectivity is the lifeblood of commerce and noted applications such as joining video calls while travelling or taking card payments on the go even when users were surrounded by hundreds of competing businesses all trying to connect to the same network.
EE’s launch of Fast Lane follows multiple real-world trials of 5G+ network slicing over the last two years, supporting consumers and businesses at major events and iconic locations across the UK, including Wembley Stadium, Belfast Christmas Market, Sail GP in Portsmouth, this year’s EE BAFTAs, and, most recently, the Royal Welsh Show 2026.
To access Fast Lane, customers must have a 5G+ compatible mobile plan, device and SIM, and be within a 5G+ enabled area of the UK. EE’s 5G+ network is currently now available to around 54 million people (78% of the UK population) across several hundred major UK towns and cities. As part of a £40bn investment into the UK this decade, EE is aiming to make it 5G+ network will be available to 99% of the population by the end of March 2030.
“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,” said CEO of BT’s consumer division Claire Gillies. “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.
“We are committed to bringing our customers the very best in connectivity and innovation. Fast Lane is the latest example of how we’re building on that leadership with the UK’s first commercial network slice to deliver meaningful benefits to both consumers and businesses.”
