BT used the backdrop of Wembley Stadium and the glamour of the official launch of its partnership with UEFA’s Euro 2028 to announce upcoming network upgrades by 2028, as well as the launch of its National Slice service during the summer of 2026.
Greg McCall, Chief Security and Network Officer, BT, said that by the time UEFA 28 comes around, the operator will have boosted mobile connectivity performance by 20% in host cities – including London, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Newcastle. That would deliver a lasting legacy from the tournament, he added.
McCall, third from left on a panel hosted by ex-international footballer Rachel Sankey, said the company would be delivering a 20% performance upgrade at mobile sites across the country by 2028.
Speaking to TMN after the event, BT said the performance improvements would be achieved by extending deployment of Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology from its provider Ericsson. This pools capacity and resources across neighbouring sites, effectively adding capacity in busy, dense areas. Being able to achieve a 20% gain by activating this feature is something BT is proud of – pointing out it is the first operator globally to take advantage of the capability.
McCall also added that BT’s National Slice capability will be available across the nation before the end of the summer. During 2028, national team staff and players will also be able to access a dedicated slice at each training ground, with a prioritised slice available for players and coaches assuring their connectivity.
BT has been offering a slice capability since 2024 at locations such as Wembley and for specific businesses and authorities. It has been piloting further slice functionality as it expands its 5G Standalone presence through the country. Earlier this year it announced the onboarding of Ericsson’s Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) and the Network Exposure Function (NEF), which would enable it to manage and orchestrate network slices by selecting the optimal network slice based on factors including time, location, subscription type, current network load, and application requirements.
BT said that wherever it has 5G Standalone coverage, currently at 73% population, customers will have the ability to access its slicing services. It wasn’t able to add detail on what slices would be available or how that would be offered to customers.
As for achieving guaranteed performance by deploying private networks, something that Orange did for the 2024 Paris Olympics, BT would only say that its deal with UEFA is only for network slicing, indicating that it doesn’t have plans for deploying dedicated networks for the Euros, rather it would be leveraging its macro network via slicing.
BT Mobile is back
Alongside its commitment to improve network capacity and performance, the carrier used the event to announce commercial launches. These include the re-birth of BT Mobile, to be targeted as a SIM-only bolt on for broadband customers, an integrated cyber security offer for broadband customers, and the development of and eSIM business designed to attract international and national roamers onto BT’s network.
The Wembley pitch receiving a haircut
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