Virgin Media O2 gives Londoners a 5G connectivity boost

Virgin Media O2 has announced the impact of significant upgrades and expansion to its mobile and fixed networks in London and across the UK.

Its 5G network in the capital has extended to reach 64% of the population, with the expanded footprint coming thanks to the recently deployed low band 5G spectrum which enables mobile signals to travel further. Virgin Media O2 has the largest share of this valuable spectrum amongst the major network operators, paving the way for stronger, more reliable customer experiences.

Largest 5G footprint

London now has one of the largest 5G footprints within Virgin Media O2’s network, at a time when uptake of the ultrafast service is increasing. The company, which has committed to investing at least £10 billion in the UK, delivered 5G to over 2,000 sites across the country last year and now has 5G coverage in areas spanning 300 towns and cities. It has promised to reach 50% of the UK’s population with its 5G services in 2023.

In other good news for Londoners, Virgin Media O2 has upgraded 4G capacity in 41,228 postcodes across the city in 2021, and more than 241,000 nationally. Virgin Media O2 has also continued to expand its Wi-Fi network across the Tube, offering connectivity at more than 260 stations representing 97% of the London Underground network.

Network expansion

This follows significant investment in fixed broadband network expansion and upgrades across London over the past 6 years. The company has extended its footprint to reach 340,000 more premises through its Project Lightning program and made gigabit broadband available to more than 6 million Londoners – delivering speeds 16 times faster than the capital’s average. This comes following more than £200 million of broadband investment in the City in recent years.

The company completed its wider gigabit rollout in December, meaning that over 15.5 million homes across the UK can now access broadband with average download speeds of 1,130Mbps. Virgin Media O2 has also recently announced its intention to upgrade its fixed network to full-fiber to the premises (FTTP) with completion in 2028.

The importance of improved connectivity was highlighted in recent research from economic modeling experts Oxford Analytica, which found that investment in full-fiber and mobile connectivity could unlock 68,384 jobs in the capital and boost London’s economy by more than £16 billion by 2026. The findings, published in the Digital Connectivity Index, also showed how digital infrastructure investment could help tackle inequality.

100% renewable electricity

Virgin Media O2’s mobile network is powered by 100% renewable electricity where it controls the bill, and has further lowered consumption with smart sensors, intuitive software and free air cooling.