UK network operator EE has ramped up its 5G Standalone network deployment in the UK, adding 20 new towns and cities as part of its latest network rollout.

EE claims that its 5G SA network is now available to more than 44 million people (equivalent to 66 percent of the UK's population). The telco said it has hit the target five months ahead of schedule.

EE launched its 5G SA network in September of last year, initially across 15 cities before it expanded to more locations a month later. By March of this year, this had increased to 50 locations.

The latest locations to receive the 5G SA upgrade include Ballymena, Burton-on-Trent, Chelmsford, Derry (Londonderry), Dewsbury, Ellesmere Port, Gateshead, Greenock, Hamilton, Hartlepool, Hatfield, Hereford, Newark, Oldham, Rochdale, Solihull, Stafford, Stevenage, Tamworth, and Warwick.

5G SA is 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.

The carrier became the third carrier in the country to launch 5G SA following Vodafone and Virgin Media O2, despite being the first telco in the UK to launch 5G.

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

EE has plans to reach 99 percent of the UK's population with its 5G SA network by the end of FY 2030, a similar goal to rival VodafoneThree.

EE has previously deployed its 5G SA network at Wembley Stadium back in February.