EE has launched what it claims is the UK's first commercial network slicing offering for consumers and small businesses.

The commercial network slice, dubbed 'Fast Lane' by the carrier, leverages EE's 5G Standalone network.

According to EE, the purpose of this service is to ensure that consumers and small businesses have access to 5G+, EE's term for 5G SA, connectivity during some of the busiest times on the network.

Network slicing allows telecom operators to create separate and isolated networks within their wider 5G network, and each slice can be configured differently.

EE notes that its Fast Lane offering works by anticipating network congestion and seamlessly moving customer connections into a dedicated section of EE’s 5G+ network.

The launch comes after multiple real-world trials of 5G SA network slicing over the last two years, which included events at Wembley Stadium, Sail GP in Portsmouth, the BAFTAs, Belfast Christmas Market, and the Royal Welsh Show 2026.

“Powered by our advanced 5G+ network, Fast Lane gives our customers access to a dedicated 5G+ lane at the busiest times," said Claire Gillies, CEO of the consumer division at BT.

"This innovation builds on years of investment in EE’s 5G+ network and real-world network slicing trials, marking another milestone for the UK’s best network.”

EE is aiming to deliver its 5G SA network to 99 percent of the UK's population by the end of March 2030 as part of a £40 billion ($54bn) investment into the country this decade.

Rival carrier Vodafone previously launched commercial 5G network slicing for enterprise customers earlier this year, with that service bringing dedicated slicing to a "defined site or local area up to five sq km."

EE's claim is that it's the first telco to launch network slicing for consumers as well as business customers.