O2 switches on 5G in 13 new locations

By Fiona Leake
published

O2 brings its total 5G connections up to 20 major cities, fulfilling its 2019 commitment.

(Image credit: O2)

O2 has met its target of bringing 5G to 20 towns and cities by the end of 2019, by switching it on in another 13 locations across the UK on the very last day of the year.

Going in to 2020, customers in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Derby and Stoke are now connected to the 5G network.

Shape the future of 5G 

“I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society."

Derek McManus, Telefónica UK.

O2 5G initially launched in October in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Leeds and Slough. It went on to switch on 5G hotspots in Leicester and Lisburn in November, and now customers in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Derby and Stoke are also connected to the network.

The company now plans to bring 5G to a total of 50 locations by summer 2020. O2 appears to be meeting its ambitious goals and hopes that 5G will supplement its current 4G network. The company says it is still investing over £2m a day into its existing networks to bring customers a reliable service, laying foundations for 5G into 2020.

“It is brilliant to hit our target of 20 towns and cities connected to our next-generation network as we head into 2020,” said Derek McManus, COO of Telefónica UK. “I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society. We’re excited about getting it into the hands of our customers across the UK, and continuing to work with our partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”

O2 customers in Windsor, Eton, Reading, Blackpool, Bournemouth and Guildford are promised 5G in March 2020 as the roll-out continues.

Fiona Leake
Fiona Leake

Fiona discovered her love for investing and making money from a young age. Since then this interest has grown and now she loves writing about investing and business, and follows the 5G market closely. She is also a technology enthusiast, and so they tend to be her favourite investments.