On Tuesday, UK-based telco, EE deployed its first Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) solution, in Edinburgh and Manchester to push 5G internet spectrum efficiency in crowded areas, such as music festivals.
EE is fighting slow 5G speeds in crowded areas by sharing network capacity between existing masts in real-time. The software-driven technology needs only a small optical device added to current infrastructure, which boosts spectrum efficiency by fourfold.
ARC has already delivered measured speed increases of 20% for users in congested locations, like city centers and train stations.
EE’s ARC is formulated to address one of 5G’s growing issues. When many users utilize it at the same time, everyone’s speed reduces. After the successful pilot in Bristol, EE rolled out ARC in Edinburgh and Manchester.
Whether customers were sharing Fringe Festival videos or just browsing the internet from the crowded train station, the improved experience of 5G network installation was noticeable.
Why Is 5G Slower in Crowds?
5G struggles in crowds because masts become saturated. When overloaded, masts can’t maintain top speeds for all users, explaining why even full signal bars may still mean slow internet at music festivals or city centers.
ARC does this by enabling one busy mast to “borrow” extra capacity from nearby towers that are less busy. It does this in real time, without affecting users.
It’s a big step forward for 5G performance monitoring as the network can now respond to changes in demand in real time, and the network capacity’s intelligent sharing avoids frustrating experiences of delayed video calls, or apps, that won’t load.
Commuters in busy areas, like Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, already see better peak-hour performance. By distributing network load, EE is changing 5G mobile network testing and upgrades, boosting efficiency without costly infrastructure changes.
Smarter Tech, Faster Speed
ARC’s main advantage is its simple deployment. Engineers only add a small optical device to existing technology, connecting it instantly to BT Group’s fast fibre network, which offers ultra-low latency under half a millisecond.
Such low latency allows instant coordination between nearby masts, and this software update is a giant leap in 5G network transformation, eliminating the need for disruptive construction.
It also allows for future 5G private network deployment, which is expected to rise in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing sectors’ applications.
“EE customers are the first in the world to benefit from this technology, with millions of them getting a huge boost to the 5G connectivity they rely on every day. By increasing capacity in this way, our customers will get faster speeds and an even more reliable experience instantly,” said BT Group Chief Networks Officer Greg McCall.
With ARC currently operating in top cities, EE is preparing to roll out the technology to additional destinations, such as London, Leeds, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, and more. Meanwhile, they are pushing forward with their full 5G standalone (5GSA) rollout. Which is a next-generation system for better reliability, lower delay, and greater support for sophisticated apps.
These features mirror how 5G networks enable more adaptable, high-speed digital experiences in everyday life. Initial reports are of a 20% overall speed increase where ARC is used.
In ideal conditions, some have experienced more than double the normal 5G download speed mbps, showing that software patches can deliver real-world improvements without the need for hardware replacement.
This is part of a larger trend in 5G network evolution toward using what’s already present more intelligently. It also enhances how operators perceive 5G network planning, focusing on flexibility and real-time troubleshooting.
With upgrades set to reach 17 more cities by the end of 2025 and a goal of reaching over 41 million by spring 2026, EE is shaping future 5G internet spectrum efficiency through an easier, faster, and more responsive network.
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