O2 expands its 5G coverage in the UK to more than 100 locations — taking it almost level with EE as the nation’s biggest provider of the ultra-fast internet
- Areas added to O2’s 5G network include Chelmsford, Ipswich and Milton Keynes
- The mobile service provider offers customers a choice of 28 5G-enabled devices
- The firm has also been bolstering its 4D network to meet demand amid lockdown
Telecoms firm O2 has expanded its 5G coverage to more than 100 locations across the UK, bringing it nearly level with EE, the nation’s biggest provider.
New towns and cities joining the expanding range of the ultra-fast internet network include Chelmsford, Ipswich, Milton Keynes and Slough.
O2 customers can pick from a selection of 28 5G-enabled devices with their mobile plan, including the Apple iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, which will be released tomorrow.
Of the other major providers, EE offers 5G in 112 locations, while Three customers can access high-speed internet in 66 locations and Vodafone 55.
Telecoms firm O2 (pictured) has expanded its 5G coverage to more than 100 locations across the UK , bringing it nearly level with EE, the nation’s biggest provider
‘When we launched 5G last October, we said it was the first step on a journey,’ said O2’s Chief Operating Officer Derek McManus.
‘One year on and we have made some incredible progress, not just in terms of our roll-out but in bringing about new capabilities that will make real changes to people’s everyday lives.’
‘No one could have predicted the way this year has turned out — and that almost overnight, customers would turn to their networks more than ever before to keep them connected to loved ones, colleagues and suppliers.’
According to research by O2 and Development Economics, 4G and 5G connectivity helped to enable firms to still undertake £205 billions worth of business in the period from March to September this year during a time many were working remotely.
Since March, O2 has doubled the capacity of its voice network to meet the increased demand — which surged by 57 per cent on the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Alongside this, the service provider has boosted its 4G provisions in around 5 per cent of the UK’s postcodes.
‘Connectivity has never been more important, and we want our network to continue to raise the bar,’ Mr McManus continued.
‘We firmly believe 5G has a role in helping to rebuild Britain, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society.’
‘We’re excited to keep pushing ahead with our rollout along with our partners Ericson and Nokia, to keep supporting our customers, businesses and society.’
O2 is also bringing it 5G services to aid corporate customers.
With the Northumbrian Water Group, for example, the service provider has been working to aid experienced technicians to remotely direct on-the-ground teams using augmented reality.
Moreover, O2 is collaborating with researchers at the University of Glasgow and the European Space Agency to deliver a trial 5G-connected ‘clinic-on-wheels’ to help monitor COVID-19 across six care homes in Glasgow.