EE introduces premium ‘Fast Lane’ 5G network slicing service

Posted by Harry Baldock, The service will ensure that Fast Lane users continue to receive high-quality mobile service even in busy areas like concerts and sporting events

This week, EE has announced the launch of the UK’s first commercial network slicing service for consumers and businesses.

The new service, dubbed Fast Lane, shifts customers to a dedicated virtual slice of EE’s physical 5G+ network. This slice is isolated from other traffic on the network, guaranteeing users a high level of performance even when the wider network is heavily congested.

The feature is ‘designed for use in high-footfall moments of the day like rush hour and major events’, according to the company press release, will be useful for both consumers and enterprise customers operating in busy environments.

The launch follows multiple real-world trials of 5G+ network slicing in the last two years, which has included major public events like , Belfast Christmas Market, Sail GP in Portsmouth, ad this year’s BAFTAs.

“Powered by our advanced 5G+ network, Fast Lane gives our customers access to a dedicated 5G+ lane at the busiest times. Whether they’re live streaming a special moment from a sell-out gig or processing mobile payments and ticketing at a festival, Fast Lane helps keep customers connected even when thousands of people around them are trying to connect at the same time,” said Claire Gillies, CEO of BT’s Consumer Division. “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 offering the Fast Lane feature as a part of its new ‘Full Works Plus’ package, costing £5 more per month than its existing ‘Full Works’ plan (£48 and £43, respectively).

Users will require a 5G+ compatible handset and access to EE’s 5G+ network to make use of the service.EE’s 5G+ network currently covers around 78% of the UK population, with the operator targeting 99% population coverage by March 2030. EE introduces premium ‘Fast Lane’ 5G network slicing service - Total Telecom

Read More........ → September 14, 2026

Samsung India cuts jobs in consumer electronics business

Samsung India trims workforce in consumer electronics business (Photo: Samsung)

New Delhi, IANS): Samsung India has reportedly laid off their executives across its television and home appliance businesses as part of a cost-rationalisation exercise amid rising operating costs, muted consumer demand and organisational restructuring, as per multiple reports.

Reports suggest that the workforce reduction affects employees across various levels, including directors, team leaders, branch managers and area managers.

The layoffs are being carried out in phases with termination letters issued over the past few days, according to them.

Some employees have reportedly been asked to leave immediately without serving their notice period.

When contacted, Samsung declined to comment regarding such reports.

In addition, Samsung is offering affected employees a severance package comprising three months' salary along with an additional month's salary for every completed year of service.

The move comes as consumer electronics companies grapple with softer demand and rising costs.

Moreover, factors such as higher memory chip prices, elevated raw material costs and depreciation of the Indian rupee have added to operating expenses, as per reports.

Additionally, smartphone shipments in India have declined by about 12 per cent year-on-year.

Similarly, some industry experts expect that the Indian smartphone market to decline by around 13 per cent year-on-year in 2026 with the second half likely to perform better than the first half as festive demand provides some support.

Samsung had also planned to integrate its television and home appliance sales teams, although the move has reportedly been deferred until the December quarter, say reports.

Despite the restructuring, Samsung India reported revenue of over Rs 1.1 lakh crore and net profit of Rs 11,287 crore in FY25.Separately, a report noted that global foldable smartphone shipments are expected to cross 100 million cumulative units by the end of 2026 which is a major milestone for the category in its eighth year since the first commercially available foldable was launched. Samsung India cuts jobs in consumer electronics business | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → September 14, 2026