ISP BT to Follow EE and Launch Ultrafast 5G Mobile this Autumn

In an unsurprising development BT has announced that they will launch their own 5G based ultrafast mobile broadband service this autumn, which will initially be made available to subscribers of their premium “Plus” packages. As you’d expect this is due to be based off EE’s national UK network.

Mobile operator EE began a limited commercial rollout of 5G technology in May 2019 (full details), which harnesses the 3.4GHz radio spectrum band and aims to cover 16 UK cities by the end of 2019. Unfortunately there’s not a lot else to add to today’s announcement since BT has opted not to reveal any solid details until later.

All we know is that BT Plus customers will be the first to be offered an upgrade. This reflects the operator’s “converged fibre and mobile” plan and comes with their “Keep Connected Promise“. If a BT Plus customer reports a fault with their home broadband, BT will switch on free, unlimited data on their BT mobiles within an hour and will also send a free 4G Wi-Fi Mini Hub to arrive the next day, with unlimited data (until the service is repaired). BT Plus customers also benefit from 24/7 dedicated UK and Ireland support.

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer division, said:

“We’re bringing together the best fibre and mobile connections to help keep our customers connected, both on the go and at home. Launching 5G for BT customers will give them the opportunity to experience the fastest mobile speeds in the busiest areas of the UK, and our BT Plus customers will have the first opportunity to sign up for 5G.”

Historically mobile improvements have eventually also filtered down to BT’s low cost sibling ISP Plusnet, although that usually takes a fair bit longer to occur. Admittedly being late to the party isn’t such a problem at this stage, while 5G coverage is still in its infancy.