O2 switches on next-generation 5G+ connectivity across Northern Ireland communities

O2 has announced the switch on of its next-generation 5G+ network across many areas of Northern Ireland.

The company says more than 800,000 residents could now benefit from the next-generation network, which delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency at no extra cost.

O2 has announced the switch on of its next-generation 5G+ network across much of Northern Ireland. Picture: unsplash

placeholder image — O2 has announced the switch on of its next-generation 5G+ network across much of Northern Ireland. Picture: unsplash

O2’s rollout across Northern Ireland includes the following towns and cities: Belfast, Derry / Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, Armagh, Newtownabbey, Bangor, Lurgan, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Newtownards, Portadown, Coleraine, Antrim, Omagh, Larne, Banbridge, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane, Limavady, Cookstown, Holywood, Downpatrick, Craigavon, Ballymoney, Ballyclare, Bushmills, Portrush, Kilkeel, Ballycastle and Newcastle.

O2 offers the UK’s largest 5G standalone network and is available to customers with compatible devices at no extra cost. Unlike earlier versions of 5G, which relied on existing 4G technology, O2’s 5G+ service uses new “standalone” infrastructure to deliver faster speeds and lower latency mobile services.

These upgrades form part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which is delivering a major upgrade to the company’s network this year.

"The investment will enhance reliability, capacity and coverage across the country through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment,” a statement from O2 said.

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Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “This upgrade marks another major milestone in the evolution of our network.

"By extending 5G+ coverage across all six counties of Northern Ireland, we’re enabling more people to benefit from faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable mobile experience.

"Through our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re continuing to invest in the connectivity that communities and businesses rely on every day. From cities like Belfast and Lisburn to more remote locations along the Antrim coast, Portrush, or Ballycastle, our focus is on delivering high-quality coverage that helps our customers in Northern Ireland stay connected when it matters most.”

Customers can access 5G+ with a compatible device and plan, and by ensuring their SIM is up to date. Some customers may need to switch to a digital eSIM. Full details available on the O2 website here: https://www.o2.co.uk/5g-plus