O2, now part of Virgin Media, is expanding its network across the UK, introducing the advanced 5G Standalone technology to 500 towns and cities. This upgrade will benefit over 45 million people, making it the largest 5G Standalone deployment in the country.
For those unfamiliar with 5G Standalone, it offers superior connectivity compared to older services like 4G, providing faster speeds and increased reliability. Users with 5G devices connected to O2’s network will enjoy broader coverage, faster downloads, and reduced latency.
The good news is that existing 5G-ready phone owners with 5G plans will receive these enhancements at no extra cost. Bakewell, Derbyshire, became the 500th location to benefit from Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone rollout, marked by the creation of a giant Bakewell Tart.
Virgin Media O2 explained that their 5G Standalone network is built on cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring reliability and expanding coverage for next-gen digital experiences. Customers who are fully 5G ready will automatically experience improved speeds without any additional steps required.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in network improvements to enhance customer experience. With the expansion of the 5G Standalone network to 500 locations and 70% of the population, Virgin Media O2 aims to deliver innovative customer-focused solutions.
In a similar move, EE has also announced significant network updates, introducing Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) technology for improved 5G performance. This technology promises faster download speeds, enhanced video streaming, and more reliable connections for smartphones on the EE 5G network.
