BT Expands 5G Standalone Coverage and Plans AI-RAN Trials with Nokia and Nvidia

BT expands 5G Standalone coverage in the UK

BT has announced that its 5G Standalone network, which the carrier brands as 5G+, now reaches more than 80 percent of the UK population.

The expansion follows EE's launch of its UK 5G Standalone network just over two years ago. Coverage has recently extended to additional locations, including Bicester, Chester, and Durham, as well as Portrush.

BT also plans to trial artificial intelligence-powered radio access network technology, or AI-RAN, on EE's live network next year. This will be the carrier's first AI-RAN trial, conducted in partnership with Nokia and Nvidia.

Nokia and Nvidia first agreed to develop AI-ready RAN solutions in 2024. Nvidia later became an investor in Nokia.

AI-RAN trials planned for Birmingham

The trials will take place in Birmingham, England, and will examine whether AI can make mobile networks more responsive to changing customer requirements.

The project will move AI-RAN from laboratory testing to EE's live network. BT said that, if successful, the technology could support faster data speeds, more consistent connections, and more intelligent responses to changes in customer demand.

Greg McCall, chief security and networks officer at BT Group, said the company was making progress toward its target of 99 percent population coverage by 2030. He also said that expanding coverage was only one part of the network strategy, with further investment focused on making the network more responsive and able to handle increasing demand.

The announcement coincided with Nvidia's GTC event in Berlin. Nokia also confirmed that French telecommunications operator Orange plans to continue testing AI-RAN in laboratory and live network environments. Deutsche Telekom and Finland's Elisa have reported progress on their own trials.

EE increases network capacity

EE said it is also increasing mobile network capacity. The work includes the deployment of its first 2.8Gbps microwave link, representing 40 percent more capacity than its previous 2Gbps benchmark.