O2 brings next-generation 5G+ connectivity to Suffolk as part of its nationwide network transformation

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ Standalone network in towns across Suffolk, including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Felixstowe
• Over 760,000 residents across 434 towns and villages can now benefit from faster speeds, improved coverage and reduced latency, at no extra cost
• The rollout forms part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, boosting reliability, capacity and coverage across the UK

People and businesses across Suffolk – including those in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, Haverhill, Sudbury and Newmarket – can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, following the switch-on of its next-generation 5G+ service.

More than 760,000 residents across 434 towns and villages in Suffolk will now benefit from the upgraded network, which delivers faster speeds, improved reliability and lower latency at no extra cost.

As a county with a strong mix of market towns, coastal communities and rural villages, reliable connectivity plays an important role in supporting residents, businesses and visitors throughout the year. Improved mobile performance will help people stay connected whether travelling between towns, working remotely or accessing services on the move.

The rollout also supports key sectors of Suffolk’s economy. Whether it’s enabling logistics and supply chain operations around the Port of Felixstowe, helping agricultural businesses access real-time data in the field, supporting tourism businesses serving visitors, or powering digital innovation across the county’s technology sector, reliable mobile connectivity is increasingly vital to growth and productivity.

O2 offers the UK’s largest 5G+ 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: “Our new 5G+ network is now live in Suffolk, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the county.

“Combined with investment as part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re improving our mobile network every day to deliver a faster, more reliable experience for customers, futureproof connectivity and pave the way for future innovations.”

O2’s network has been crowned best network for coverage

Virgin Media O2 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 Suffolk already benefits from strong mobile connectivity, Virgin Media O2 has also recently launched O2 Satellite. 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 

Ends

Notes to editors 

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

O2’s rollout in Suffolk includes the following towns and villages: Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Stowmarket, Newmarket, Beccles and Woodbridge.

Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the Suffolk Observatory for Suffolk here: https://www.suffolkobservatory.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Demographic-socialeconomic_characteristics_Suffolk_population.pdf