O2 brings faster, more reliable 5G to Dorset

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G Standalone network across several major towns in Dorset as part of its UK-wide rollout
• Residents and businesses in Dorset can now enjoy faster speeds, improved coverage and reduced latency
• The investment forms part of the operator’s Mobile Transformation Programme to boost connectivity and reliability across the UK

People and businesses across several major towns in Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Swanage, and Christchurch can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, following the switch-on of its next-generation 5G Standalone service. 

More than 380,000 residents across Dorset will now benefit from the new 5G Standalone network, which delivers faster, more reliable mobile coverage and a stronger signal in more places, helping to provide a smoother experience for residents and visitors.

Now live in more than 500 locations across the country, 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 Dorset in a boost for local people and businesses 

With 5G Standalone coverage now live in key towns across Dorset, the region is better equipped to meet the consistently high demand on its mobile networks.

Dorset’s year-round visitor economy, spanning busy coastal towns and rural destinations, puts sustained demand on mobile networks across the county. From major towns like Bournemouth and Poole to smaller destinations along the Jurassic Coast, reliable connectivity plays a critical role in helping people navigate, stay safe and make the most of their time in the area.

Dependable, fast connectivity will also support Dorset’s wider economy, with towns such as Dorchester offering a range of tourist attractions as well as essential retail and transport connections. Strong coverage will help ensure residents and visitors can stay connected as they move between inland communities and the coast.

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 Dorset, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the county. 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 Dorset forms part of O2’s wider UK programme to bring 5G Standalone to towns, urban centres 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 counties, towns, and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5GSA programme rollout have at least 90% 5G standalone outdoor coverage.

O2’s rollout in Dorset includes the following towns and communities: Bournemouth, Poole, Broadstone, Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, Ferndown, Christchurch, Verwood, Blandford Forum and Dorchester.

Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the ONS for Dorset here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E06000059-dorset/indicators