O2’s 5G network is coming this October
O2 is throwing its hat in the 5G ring, bringing the service to select UK cities
Mobile network O2 has confirmed plans to roll out its 5G network in the UK, with the news that the telecoms company will launch the service in October.
The company took to Twitter to celebrate the imminent arrival of #O25G, promising more reliable connections in busy areas, buffer-free streaming and delay-free downloads.
Its 5G network will be extended to initially to London, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, with follow-up plans to bring the service to Leeds and Slough – where O2 is based.
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While these cities can expect to receive 5G coverage from October onwards – although we don’t know the specific date(s) the networks will be available for use – O2 intends to roll out 5G to more locations before the year is up.
Bristol, Norwich and Reading are all expected to reap the rewards of O2’s 5G network later this year, with plans to extend to 20 cities by the end of 2019 and a whopping 50 cities by this time next year.
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As for where users will see optimum coverage, O2 has hinted at the cities’ social hubs, with entertainment venues, shopping centres, and bus and train stations expected to have good coverage. CEO Mark Evans said the firm was keen to provide connectivity in “notoriously congested” areas.
5G competition is tough: Vodafone offers its 5G network in no less than 15 towns, and just last week extended it as far afield as Bolton, Birkenhead, Newbury, Lancaster, Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Gatwick and Wolverhampton. Meanwhile, EE intends to extend 5G services to 16 sites before the year is up, although coverage is currently only available in six locations.
