- O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across Newcastle, Tyneside and Sunderland as part of its UK-wide rollout
- Up to 890,000 people* across Newcastle and wider Tyneside, and more than 288,000** across the nearby city of Sunderland could 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
Newcastle, 15 September 2026 – People and businesses across Newcastle, wider Tyneside and Sunderland can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, after the operator switched on its next-generation 5G+ service across the region.
Up to 890,000 people* across Newcastle and wider Tyneside, alongside more than 288,000** residents across the city of Sunderland, could now benefit from faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency at no extra cost, helping customers stay connected in their everyday lives.
The rollout spans communities across the region, from Newcastle city centre and the Quayside to Gateshead, South Shields, North Shields and the beaches of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. In the Wearside area, the rollout extends from Sunderland and Washington to towns including Shiney Row, Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring, as well as smaller communities across the wider area.
O2 continues to invest in expanding its 5G+ network
O2’s 5G+ network 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 faster speeds and lower latency mobile services.
These upgrades form part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which is delivering a major upgrade to the company’s network in 2026. The investment will enhance reliability, capacity and coverage across the country through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment.
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.
Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “These upgrades mark another major milestone in the rollout of our network. By extending 5G+ coverage across Newcastle, Tyneside and Sunderland, we’re enabling more people to benefit from faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable mobile experience.
“Through our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re continuing to invest in the connectivity that communities and businesses rely on every day. This latest rollout brings our most advanced mobile network to communities across the North East, helping our customers stay connected when it matters most.”
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 are available on the O2 website here: https://www.o2.co.uk/5g-plus
Notes to Editors:
All towns and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5G+ programme rollout have at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage.
O2’s rollout across Newcastle and Tyneside includes the following areas: Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, South Shields, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Jarrow, Whickham, Hebburn, Tynemouth, Blaydon, Birtley and Boldon.
O2’s rollout across Sunderland includes the following areas: Sunderland, Washington, Shiney Row, Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton-le-Spring, Ryhope, Rickleton, Fatfield, Newbottle, East Rainton, Hetton Le Hill, Offerton and Burdon.
*890,000 population figure sourced from the latest available data held by ONS mid-2025 population estimates for Newcastle and wider Tyneside here:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E08000021-newcastle-upon-tyne
**288,000 population figure sourced from the latest available data held by ONS 2024 population estimates here:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E08000024-sunderland
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