Virgin Media O2, in collaboration with O2, has expanded its mobile network capabilities in the UK by introducing the latest 5G Standalone technology to over 500 towns and cities, benefiting more than 45 million residents. This upgrade, which marks the largest 5G Standalone deployment in the country, promises enhanced connectivity for activities like streaming, downloading, and video calls outside the home.
The implementation of 5G Standalone signifies a significant advancement in connectivity, offering faster speeds and greater reliability than previous 4G services. Users with 5G-ready devices on O2’s network are set to experience improved 5G coverage, faster download speeds, and reduced latency without any additional costs if they have a compatible plan and phone.
The town of Bakewell in Derbyshire recently became the 500th location to enjoy the benefits of Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone rollout. This initiative utilizes cutting-edge radio infrastructure and a cloud-based 5G core to ensure end-to-end 5G connectivity, resulting in enhanced network reliability, extended coverage, and the foundation for next-generation digital experiences.
Jeanie York, the Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the company’s commitment to investing in network enhancements, with a focus on providing a reliable experience for customers. By expanding the 5G Standalone network to cover 70% of the population across 500 towns and cities, Virgin Media O2 aims to deliver innovative customer-led solutions and pave the way for future advancements in network technology.
Additionally, EE has announced significant network updates, including the implementation of Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology, making it the first mobile operator globally to adopt this technology. This advancement is expected to deliver faster and more consistent 5G performance, translating into improved download speeds, video streaming quality, and overall connectivity for users on the EE 5G network.