MOBILE phone and internet operator EE has announced the switching-on of 5G in six new UK locations.

The firm's new data network is now available in Sunderland, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Hull– taking the number of towns and cities with access to the operator's 5G network to 50.

The operator– which is owned by BT– began the rollout of its next generation high speed 5G network in May, initially launching coverage in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester.

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

EE said it is also taking 5G to a number of new "high footfall" locations from train stations to visitor attractions and aims to have it in more than 70 towns and cities by March 2020, in time for the next round of major 5G device launches.

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. We're leading the way in the UK, with 4G and 5G coverage in more places than any other operator.

"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."