UK mobile operator EE has outlined plans to expand its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network to more towns and cities by the end of this month.

By the end of March, the carrier's 5G SA network will be available across 50 major towns and cities in the UK, covering 40 percent of the UK's population.

EE revealed its 5G SA network will expand to Exeter, Caerphilly, Doncaster, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland.

Other locations will include Altrincham, Blackburn, Bridgend, Corby, Cwmbran, Huddersfield, Hyde, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Port Talbot, Rotherham, Sale, Wakefield, Walkden, and Wilmslow.

The carrier launched its 5G SA network in September, initially across 15 cities before it expanded to more locations a month later.

“5G standalone is giving many customers a better and more reliable mobile experience, especially in busy locations. As we rapidly expand our network footprint to cover more than 40 percent of the UK population, we are widening its accessibility so more people can benefit – especially those looking to harness the power of cutting-edge features on the newest smartphones,” said Malcolm Cubitt, director of mobile at EE.

The telco was the first carrier in the UK to launch its 5G network in May 2019. EE has previously stated that with 5G SA, a network that is not reliant on older mobile generations and solely uses a 5G core network, it will be better equipped to embrace AI.

EE became the third carrier in the country to launch 5G SA following Vodafone and Virgin Media O2.

However, unlike Vodafone and Virgin Media O2, EE is charging a premium for its 5G SA service.

Last month, the telco deployed a 5G SA network at Wembley Stadium, the biggest sporting venue in the country.