O2 customers first in line for 5G boost at AO Arena

· O2 and Boldyn Networks have significantly enhanced 5G connectivity at the AO Arena in Manchester

· O2 customers will be the first to benefit from the upgrade, which is providing faster speeds and more reliable connectivity

· The upgrade is part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest around £700m into its mobile network this year

O2 customers are benefitting from a major mobile connectivity upgrade at the AO Arena, after the operator has worked with Boldyn Networks to improve 5G connectivity at the venue. The investment introduces a brand new bespoke 5G distributed antenna system (DAS) network, which is dedicated solely to providing reliable 5G coverage to fans inside the arena.

The 23,000 capacity AO Arena Manchester attracts over 1.2 million visitors each year. With improved connectivity now in place, fans will be able to access a reliable connection that ensures they can stay connected with friends throughout events, as well as giving them seamless access to saved tickets and ability to order food and drinks without queueing.

Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, at O2 said: “Delivering unique live experiences is a huge part of our identity at O2. Wherever our customers go, we’re committed to providing an exceptional, reliable mobile experience that lets them share highlights of the event and stay connected in the busiest locations. Given our heritage in live entertainment, it makes sense that our customers would be the first to benefit from seamless connectivity at AO Arena Manchester.”

Paul Osborne, CCO UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, added: “We’re proud to partner with Legends Global to build the most interconnected sports and entertainment venues around the world. Advanced 5G connectivity infrastructure is empowering fans and venue staff alike to access next-gen digital services, and we’re supporting all UK mobile operators in delivering on that ambition. Our deployments continue to demonstrate the power of shared infrastructure, and we’re thrilled to be working with O2 to elevate the connected experience for its customers at this iconic UK venue.”

These upgrades are part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points including railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

O2 also recently announced that it had agreed a deal with Vodafone to acquire 78.8 MHz of new mobile spectrum, bringing the O2’s total spectrum holding to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum and materially enhancing the company’s network position.