EE's traffic grows sixfold as MNO hits 7.7 million 4G subscribers

In the last two months alone, EE has added 1.7 million customers to reach 7.7 million 4G subscribers. This is not only more than any other operator across Europe, but also beat the company's own internal year-end target of 6 million by some distance as a result of the UK MNO's rapid-expansion.

EE's network has provided access to superfast broadband for the first time in many areas.

Throughout 2014, EE expanded its network to cover 350 more cities and towns. This has allowed their total 4G coverage to reach 510 areas in the UK, each with populations of 10,000 and above. Overall, EE's 4G network is now accessible to 80% of the population and is on-target to reach 98% by the end of 2015.

This growth has meant traffic has spiked 600% and yet EE's network is still often-hailed as the most reliable 4G network in the UK by the likes of RootMetrics. EE notes this upload and download traffic is "driven by customers sharing selfies and videos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and streaming video from the likes of BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Sky Go." 

With the roll-out making its way to 1,000 villages and small towns in rural areas of the UK in the last few months of 2014, EE's network has provided access to superfast broadband for the first time in many areas. It is this rural speed and access which BT could find alluring as it nears a possible £12.5 million merger with the UK's biggest mobile network.

EE's 4G network is now accessible to 80% of the population and is on-target to reach 98% by the end of 2015.

High-speed internet access in large cities will be largely provided by BT's fiber-based infrastructure, including fixed line and Wi-Fi hotspots. Customers will be able to fall-back on EE's 4G network in rural areas, which is where the network says it is increasing its focus on. This could fuel speculation that such a deal with BT is nearing a close.