O2 brings next-generation 5G+ connectivity to communities across Scotland as part of a nationwide network transformation

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across 66 large towns and cities, 175 smaller towns, and 1,120 villages in Scotland as part of its UK-wide rollout
• More than four million residents and businesses can now benefit from faster speeds, better coverage and lower latency at no extra cost
• The operator has deployed small cells in cities across Scotland, including new sites in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth
• Customers in Scotland are now benefitting from O2 Satellite after the company became the only UK network to offer satellite-to-mobile connectivity connecting remote locations for the first time
• The rollout forms part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan which is boosting reliability, capacity and coverage across the UK

People and businesses across Scotland can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, after the operator switched on its next-generation 5G+ service across 66 large towns and cities, 175 smaller towns and 1,120 villages across the country.

More than four million residents can benefit from the next-generation network, which delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency, helping to support customers living their everyday lives.

The 5G+ rollout spans 20 Scottish counties, bringing enhanced connectivity to communities in major urban centres such as Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as towns across the Highlands, Moray, Lanarkshire, Fife and the Scottish Borders.

With world-famous tourist destinations, vibrant cities and communities spread across a wide landscape, reliable mobile connectivity is vital for residents, businesses and visitors alike. By expanding 5G+ coverage across the country, O2 is helping ensure communities across Scotland stay connected.

O2’s 5G+ network is the largest 5G standalone network in the UK 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 a stronger, more resilient mobile experience.

Alongside the rollout of 5G+ O2 has deployed small cells in some of Scotland’s busiest urban areas to boost mobile capacity and performance in high-demand locations such as transport hubs and city centres. A total of 18 small cells have been deployed in Glasgow, including at Glasgow Queen Street station and Grand Central, alongside six in Perth. In Edinburgh, seven small cells will be going live across the city, including a site outside of the Scottish Parliament.

These upgrades form part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which will deliver another major upgrade to the company’s mobile network in 2026. The investment will enhance reliability, capacity and coverage across the UK through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment.

Customers in Scotland are also benefitting from the recent launch of O2 Satellite, which allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites when in remote locations that have traditionally had no phone signal for the first time, helping tackle long-standing connectivity gaps in rural and island communities across Scotland.

Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “From the biggest cities to regional towns and rural communities, this upgrade will help people across Scotland stay connected wherever they live, work or travel.

“Combined with innovations like O2 Satellite which has connected huge areas that traditionally had no phone signal, and investment from our Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re strengthening connectivity across the country and ensuring customers get a faster, more reliable mobile experience.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Ensuring high quality digital infrastructure is a priority for the Scottish Government and I welcome O2’s investment in improving their mobile coverage in Scotland.

“This expanded access to faster, more reliable mobile networks will benefit communities, businesses and visitors across Scotland, enhancing how they communicate, work and access digital services, regardless of location.”

“Collaboration between industry and government is vital to delivering the digital infrastructure Scotland needs, and it is encouraging to see continued investment supporting connectivity across the country.”

Boosting coverage for customers

Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan helped the operator become Europe’s most improved mobile network last year, according to independent benchmarking by Umlaut Connect. It was also awarded Best Mobile Network Coverage at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for the second year in a row, which recognised the scale, reach and reliability of its mobile network.

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

Notes to Editors:

All towns, cities and counties included in Virgin Media O2’s 5G+ programme rollout have at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage.

O2’s rollout across Scotland includes: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Edinburgh City, Fife, Glasgow City, The Highlands, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Moray, Perth & Kinross, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Stirlingshire, West Lothian, Oban, Rothesay, North Berwick, Thurso, Fort William, Aviemore, Strathaven, Lossiemouth, Kinross, Pitlochry and Dunblane.

Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the NRS Scotland here: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/

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