O2 has officially announced that numerous customers will receive a complimentary high-speed upgrade. This upgrade entails the introduction of faster 5G+ services to users throughout the UK, offering improved mobile coverage and significantly quicker download speeds. O2 guarantees a 50% performance boost compared to the older 4G network.
Apart from speed and reliability enhancements, the upgrade is also expected to lead to longer battery life for devices. This is due to the reduced power consumption when devices no longer have to connect simultaneously to both 4G and 5G networks. Unlike standard 5G, which relies on 4G support, the new 5G+ technology eliminates this need.
The rollout of this upgrade is currently underway for users with 5G+ compatible devices and SIM cards, with activation taking place in over 700 towns and cities.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, highlighted the significance of this upgrade, stating, “Our 5G+ service is now accessible to millions of customers across the UK and is available to all O2 customers on any plan, unlike competitors. This enhancement improves performance in high-traffic areas, such as major venues, benefiting residents and visitors alike. It underscores Virgin Media O2’s dedication to enhancing the network and providing a more reliable user experience. We are investing £2 million daily to assist customers in preparing for upcoming mobile innovations.”
To check the availability of this service in your local area, you can use O2’s postcode lookup tool provided on their website.
Some popular devices compatible with 5G+ include the iPhone 15, 16 (including 16e), and 17 ranges, as well as the Google Pixel 9 (including Fold) and 10 series.
5G+ denotes an enhanced iteration of 5G networks employing advanced technologies like higher-frequency spectrum, improved antennas, and network optimization to offer faster speeds, reduced latency, and increased capacity.