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The service will ensure that Fast Lane users continue to receive high-quality mobile service even in busy areas like concerts and sporting events

This week, EE has announced the launch of the UK’s first commercial network slicing service for consumers and businesses.

The new service, dubbed Fast Lane, shifts customers to a dedicated virtual slice of EE’s physical 5G+ network. This slice is isolated from other traffic on the network, guaranteeing users a high level of performance even when the wider network is heavily congested.

The feature is ‘designed for use in high-footfall moments of the day like rush hour and major events’, according to the company press release, will be useful for both consumers and enterprise customers operating in busy environments.

The launch follows multiple real-world trials of 5G+ network slicing in the last two years, which has included major public events like , Belfast Christmas Market, Sail GP in Portsmouth, ad this year’s BAFTAs.

“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,” said Claire Gillies, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division. “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 is offering the Fast Lane feature as a part of its new ‘Full Works Plus’ package, costing £5 more per month than its existing ‘Full Works’ plan (£48 and £43, respectively).

Users will require a 5G+ compatible handset and access to EE’s 5G+ network to make use of the service.

EE’s 5G+ network currently covers around 78% of the UK population, with the operator targeting 99% population coverage by March 2030.

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