Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), a telephone subsidiary in the United Kingdom, has announced that its latest 5G network ‘Standalone’ is already in operation in 500 cities and locations In the United Kingdom, reaching more than 70% of the British population, which is equivalent to some 49 million people. This milestone represents the largest implementation of 5G SA in the country to date, as reported by the company.
In these 500 locations, customers can enjoy an improved mobile experience thanks to a broader 5G coverage, higher speed and lower latency. Unlike other operators, the new network is available without additional cost for customers that have SIM devices and cards compatible with 5G Independent.
Virgin Media O2 independent 5G network offers a Minimum exterior coverage of 90% in the 500 locationswhich guarantees a «reliable and consistent» experience for users when using this technology.
The red 5G ‘standalone’ de Virgin Media O2 It differs from the previous 5G services when it does not depend on elements of the 4G network for data transmission. It is a completely new infrastructure from end to end, built on the latest radio technology and a cloud -based 5G nucleus. This improves network reliability, expands coverage and feels the basis for the development of new generation digital services.
The deployment of the 5G ‘Standalone’ will allow enabling innovative use cases associated with this technology, such as autonomous transport solutions, remote medical care and completely robotized factories.
Jeanie York, technology director of Virgin Media O2, He stressed: «We are investing 2 million pounds every day to improve our mobile network and offer a more reliable experience to our customers. By expanding our independent 5G network to 500 cities and locations, and reach 70 % of the population, we continue to fulfill that commitment and we are excited to the opportunities that this new network will bring.»
For its part, Kester Mann, Consumer and Connectivity Director in CCS Insight, He stressed that expanding the coverage of independent 5g to 500 cities and localities «is an important milestone that will improve the mobile experience of millions of O2 clients throughout the United Kingdom.»
Virgin Media O2 plans to invest more than 800 million euros for 2025 as part of its mobile transformation plan. This plan includes an investment of around 700 million pounds this year to prepare its mobile network for the future.
The plan’s approach focuses on expanding the coverage of 4G and 5G, displaying small cells dedicated to increase capacity in dense urban areas, and develop innovative solutions to address critical connectivity points.
Recently, the company announced an agreement with Vodafone UK to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, which raises its total participation to approximately 30% of the United Kingdom’s mobile spectrum and significantly improves its position in the mobile network market.