- O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G Standalone network in Gloucester as part of its UK-wide rollout which is now live in more than 500 locations.
- Residents and businesses in Gloucester can now enjoy faster speeds, improved coverage and reduced latency, with at least 90% outdoor 5G Standalone coverage across the city.
- The investment forms part of the operator’s Mobile Transformation Programme to boost connectivity and reliability across the UK.
People and businesses across Gloucester can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, following the switch-on of its next-generation 5G Standalone service across the city.
Around 138,000 residents can now benefit from the new 5G Standalone network, which provides faster, more reliable mobile coverage and stronger signal in more places, meaning a smoother experience for residents and visitors.
O2’s 5G Standalone network is the largest in the UK and is available to customers with compatible devices at no extra cost.
Future-proofing Gloucester in a boost for local people and businesses
With at least 90% outdoor 5G Standalone coverage across Gloucester, the rollout is set to deliver immediate benefits for local residents and businesses. It will support flexible working, strengthen the city’s thriving tourist economy, and create the foundations for longer-term innovation.
The upgrade comes at a time when Gloucester’s tech and cyber ecosystem is rapidly expanding. In the past year the city has home to one of the UK’s leading space manufacturing hubs, and an AI Centre of Excellence is set to open at the University of Gloucester in 2026. Beyond its growing innovation scene, Gloucester is also known for its iconic cathedral, which played a huge role in the Harry Potter film franchise acting as Hogwarts School and attracts roughly 400,000 visitors every year.
Unlike earlier versions of 5G, which relied on existing 4G technology, O2’s 5G Standalone service is built entirely on new infrastructure. Now live, this technology is already improving mobile services for customers and helping prepare the region for future digital innovation.
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “Our new 5G Standalone network is now live in Gloucester, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the city. We are investing every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers, futureproofing our connectivity and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead.”
The rollout in Gloucester forms part of O2’s wider UK programme to bring 5G Standalone to urban centres, towns and communities of all sizes. Delivered through Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, the focus is on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, deploying small cells to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and tackling persistent network pain points including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas across the UK.
Last year, Virgin Media O2 announced that it had agreed a deal with Vodafone UK to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, bringing the operator’s total spectrum holding to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum and materially enhancing the company’s network position. The operator is deploying this newly acquired spectrum across the country, which will drive a better network experience for its customers.
O2 was recently awarded the most improved mobile network across Europe in Umlaut Connect’s Mobile Network Test, an independent and comprehensive benchmarking report.
Ends
Notes to editors
All 500 towns and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5GSA programme rollout have at least 90% 5G standalone outdoor coverage.
Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the ONS for Gloucester here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E07000081-gloucester/indicators
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