- O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across 47 large towns and cities, 79 smaller towns and 597 rural villages across The West Midlands region as part of its UK-wide rollout
- Up to five million residents can now benefit from faster speeds, better coverage and lower latency at no extra cost
- 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 The West Midlands can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network, following the launch of its 5G+ (standalone 5G) service in 47 large towns and cities, 79 smaller towns and 597 rural villages in the region.
The upgrade means O2 is providing customers with faster data speeds, lower latency and more consistent coverage – especially in busy urban areas and hardtoreach rural locations – at no extra cost for customers with a compatible device.
Up to five million residents across five counties including Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire, can benefit from O2’s next-generation 5G+ network which delivers at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage across all towns, cities and counties included in the West Midlands programme.
Unlike earlier versions of 5G that relied on 4G infrastructure, O2’s 5G+ standalone network is built on dedicated 5G technology. This allows the network to handle more users at once, respond more quickly to demand, and deliver a more consistent experience in busy locations such as city centres, transport hubs and major events.
In a region famed for its industrial heritage, stronger digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as The West Midlands region continues to grow as a centre for innovation, manufacturing and engineering. This 5G+ rollout brings enhanced connectivity to residents, businesses and visitors alike across major UK urban centres including Birmingham and Coventry, through to historic towns like Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick, as well as rural communities spread across the region.
O2 offers the UK’s largest 5G standalone network
O2’s 5G+ network is the UK’s largest 5G standalone network, available to more than 85% of the UK population, providing customers with faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability by using dedicated 5G infrastructure rather than relying on 4G technology.
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.
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 in Birmingham, Coventry and across the Black Country to stay connected wherever they live, work or travel.
“Combined with investment as part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, O2 is upgrading connectivity across the country and ensuring customers get a faster, more reliable mobile experience.”
Judith Ferrarin, Head of Barrier Busting and Connectivity at West Midlands 5G, said: “Through close collaboration with industry and government, WM5G’s Connectivity team have created the conditions that enable partners like Virgin Media O2 to accelerate rollout—unlocking faster, more reliable connectivity not just in our major urban centres like Birmingham and Coventry, but in the towns and rural communities that are often hardest to reach.
“This kind of partnership-led approach is critical to ensuring investment translates into meaningful outcomes—supporting innovation, improving public services, and driving inclusive growth across the region.”
O2’s network has been crowned best network for coverage
Virgin Media O2’s was named Europe’s most improved mobile network by independent benchmarking firm Umlaut Connect in 2025, reflecting significant gains in reliability, coverage and performance. The company was also awarded Best Mobile Network Coverage at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for the second year running.
While the West Midlands already benefits from strong mobile connectivity, Virgin Media O2 has also recently launched O2 Satellite, making it the only UK operator to offer satellite-to-mobile connectivity. This is bringing mobile coverage to remote locations that have traditionally had no phone signal for the first time.
Customers can benefit at no extra charge
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 The West Midlands includes: Birmingham, Coventry, Cannock, Dudley, Stoke-on-Trent, Solihull, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa, Rugby, Warwick, Wolverhampton and West Bromwich, across the counties of Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire.
Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the ONS here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E12000005-west-midlands
press enquiries
press enquiries