Virgin Media O2 unveils the 5G Standalone

Virgin Media O2 has today switched on its next-generation 5G Standalone network in 14 cities across the UK. Virgin Media O2’s brand new Standalone network offers higher bandwidth and lower latency connections, meaning customers can experience wider 5G coverage and more reliable connectivity.

Customers in the 14 locations will be the first to access this major upgrade which brings wider 5G coverage, higher bandwidth, and improved latency. The new network will be available to consumers with compatible SIMs and devices at no extra cost and customers will seamlessly switch between 4G, 5G or 5G Standalone to ensure they experience the best connectivity wherever they are.

Unlike existing 5G services which have relied on parts of the 4G network to send and receive data, Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone network is a completely new network built using the newest future-proofed radio infrastructure and a totally cloud-based core. Thanks to this multi-million pound investment, customers will benefit from enhanced network reliability and a larger coverage footprint.

5G Standalone will increase network capacity, cut latency, and support a massive increase in the number of connected devices. This will unlock many of the innovative use cases associated with 5G, including autonomous transport solutions, remote healthcare and fully robotic factories. It will also enable network slicing and pave the way for Virgin Media O2 to offer dedicated services for things like augmented reality, gaming, advanced robotics and other business use cases.

The 5G Standalone network also uses more energy efficient technology, helping Virgin Media O2 to cut its energy use and emissions in line with its ambitious Better Connections Plan.

The switch on of Standalone  5G follows another year of mammoth investment in Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, with the operator now providing 5G coverage to more than 50% of the UK population.