Excitement as EE extends its 5G network to six new UK locations - including Sheffield

The firm's new data network will move to Sheffield as part of an expansion that will also see it introduced in Hull, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sunderland, EE confirmed on Wednesday.

5G is the next generation of mobile data network, offering speeds several times that of current-generation 4G.

The mobile operator - which is owned by BT - began its 5G network rollout in May, initially launching coverage in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester.

Fellow operators Vodafone, O2 and Three have since begun their own introductions of 5G coverage.

EE said that, as well as beginning the rollout of 5G networks in the new towns and cities, it is also taking it to a number of new "high footfall" locations, including London Euston station, Cardiff Central station, Bath Street and St Enoch Square in Glasgow, Kingspan stadium in Belfast, and Coventry's Council House and cathedral ruins.

The company has now set a target of having 5G in more than 70 towns and cities by March 2020.

Marc Allera, chief executive of BT's consumer division, said: "We switched on the UK's first 5G network in May, and this is another milestone towards keeping our customers connected 100 per cent of the time.

"Adding 5G to more cities and towns - and expanding our 5G coverage in each place - is helping us to always deliver the best mobile experience to our customers."