EE customers in Edinburgh and Manchester are now enjoying faster, more stable mobile coverage, as a revolutionary new technology transforms mobile network performance. In a global first, EE has implemented Ericsson’s Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) solution, a sophisticated innovation that allows mobile sites in close proximity to pair together and share capacity, significantly enhancing network performance without requiring additional radio equipment.
EE has become the first mobile operator worldwide to deploy inter-site 5G downlink carrier aggregation within its distributed Radio Access Network (RAN). This development enables EE to combine spare capacity from multiple independent cell sites, improving downlink data performance by roughly 19 per cent on average and more than doubling performance in optimal conditions.
The technology was initially trialled in Bristol and has now been launched at selected sites in Manchester and Edinburgh, arriving just in time for Edinburgh’s globally renowned Fringe and International Festivals. The rollout prioritises busy city centre locations where network demand is highest, with plans to extend coverage to London, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Cardiff, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Sunderland over the coming year.
This ARC 5G Solution is made to provide improved mobile experiences. To stream high-definition video, play video games online, make video calls, or work from home, EE’s new network delivers:
- Faster download speeds and more fluid streaming
- Fast and reliable performance in busy areas
- Greater coverage without the need for new towers or antennas
- Future-ready connections for latest 5G devices
EE 5G Standalone-capable customers will benefit most, as such devices are capable of supporting multiple 5G frequency bands simultaneously.
EE applies a small optical pluggable module in each baseband unit to enable this capacity sharing. This innovative, software-based approach allows EE to drive network performance efficiently, controlling infrastructure cost while delivering quantifiable benefits where they are most needed.
The ARC 5G Solution innovation is further supported by BT Group’s industry-leading fibre infrastructure, connecting cell sites with ultra-low latency. This capability is vital for real-time coordination between sites with delays under half a millisecond.
“This is a major milestone for EE and our customers,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group. “We’re delivering a smarter, faster network that meets the growing demand for data – without the need for disruptive infrastructure changes.”
Luca Orsini, Head of Ericsson North Europe, added: “Our collaboration with EE on this world-first deployment is a standout example of how innovative software solutions can make a real difference for network performance. By enabling more efficient use of existing spectrum and infrastructure, we’re helping EE deliver enhanced connectivity to their customers while setting a new benchmark for network optimisation in the industry.”