Update 2: BT has launched Halo in the UK today. Customers on the service can take out a ‘No Limits’ plan on BT Mobile with unlimited data, calls and texts, and a choice to upgrade to 5G.
The one million BT Plus customers in the country will automatically have their package upgraded to Halo for free, while new customers pay £57.99 for the service. A small monthly fee can be added on for both groups to receive inclusive Home Tech Expert Visits and the BT Smart Hub 2.
Update: BT 5G is available from today in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Manchester.
BT Plus and BT Business customers are the first to be able to move to the 5G services.
Plans start from £45 per month – data is available in 12GB, 30GB, 60GB or 200GB monthly sizes. When Halo launches in November, an unlimited data offering will replace the 200GB price point, and customers on this plan will be moved over at no extra cost.
The available devices are:
Business customers can choose from 6GB, 30GB or 60GB plans, with customers getting a £10 discount when they order a plan together with BT Business Broadband.
BT consumer CEO Marc Allera said: “Our 5G service provides customers with a faster and more reliable connection in high demand, crowded areas across the UK at peak times. When combined with the best fibre, the UK’s fastest 4G network and biggest wi-fi network, BT is helping consumers and businesses stay connected wherever they are and whatever they need to do.”
Original: BT is launching 5G on Friday October 11 in 20 cities. The launch comes ahead of the operator launching its new converged Halo proposition in November, which gives customers combined broadband and mobile deals.
Cities included in the launch are Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Leicester and Coventry.
BT Halo is an add-on to BT’s existing converged offer BT Plus, offering unlimited mobile data and calls.
Halo for business will also offer SMEs superfast broadband with a digital phone line, and the option for customers to add 4G and 5G mobile connections, meaning that businesses can make and receive landline calls on their smartphone.
BT is also adding 900 new home tech experts to its workforce to deal directly with Halo, as well as adding regional call routing to its customer service – calls will be directed to the customer service team closest to the caller.
Additionally, the BT logo will be added to more than 600 EE stores across the UK, and BT customers will be able to go and get in-store broadband or landline support.
“This is the first time in nearly 20 years that BT customers have been able to go somewhere for service and support,” said BT consumer director Marc Allera to media at a Q&A this morning.
“While we do see many stories of retailers under pressure, and the high street is a difficult place to do business right now, we are proud to be a part of as many communities across the UK as we can be, and to be investing in retail for our customers.
“This means that 95 per cent of the UK population will be no more than 20 minutes away from dedicated face-to-face service and support.”
BT CEO Philip Jansen said that Halo would be funded by a £350 million investment plan in OPEX and CAPEX.
