O2 expands UK 5G coverage to more than 100 locations

O2’s 5G network is now available to customers in 108 UK towns and cities, with new locations now live including Milton Keynes, Ipswich and Chelmsford.

O2 customers can pick from a selection of 28 5G-enabled devices with their mobile plan, including the brand-new Apple iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro, which is available for pre-order and launches tomorrow, Friday 23rd October. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 mini will be available from next month.

Of the other major providers, EE currently offers 5G in 112 locations, while Three customers can access high-speed internet in 66 locations and Vodafone trailing with 55.

Commenting on the expansion, Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer at O2 said:

“When we launched 5G last October, we said it was the first step on a journey. 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. Connectivity has never been more important, and we want our network to continue to raise the bar.
“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.”

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,’ 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.