O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across Newcastle, wider Tyneside and Sunderland, giving up to 890,000 people across Newcastle and Tyneside and more than 288,000 people in Sunderland access to faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency at no extra cost.
The regional rollout is part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for 2026, which is upgrading reliability, capacity and coverage through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G improvements, automation and additional spectrum.
What is O2 5G+?
O2 5G+, also known as 5G Standalone, is the operator’s most advanced mobile network. Unlike earlier 5G services that relied partly on 4G infrastructure, it uses a dedicated 5G core to support faster speeds, lower latency, improved reliability and new services over time.
Customers can access 5G+ at no extra cost when they have a compatible device, an up-to-date O2 SIM or eSIM and are in a 5G+ coverage area. Check compatible devices and 5G+ set-up details.
Where can you get O2 5G+ in Newcastle, Tyneside and Sunderland?
The rollout covers at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage in each town or city included. Across Newcastle and wider Tyneside, coverage extends from Newcastle city centre and the Quayside to Gateshead, South Shields, North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and nearby communities. Across Wearside, it reaches Sunderland, Washington, Shiney Row, Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding areas.
How much faster and more reliable is O2 5G+ in practice?
The rollout gives at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage across every included town and city, potentially reaching up to 890,000 people in Newcastle and wider Tyneside and more than 288,000 people in Sunderland. Customers can expect faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability than on earlier generations of mobile technology, although actual performance varies by location, device and network demand.
The investment behind the rollout includes new masts and small cells, additional spectrum and nationwide 4G and 5G upgrades. Read more about O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for 2026.
What does O2 5G+ mean for Newcastle, Tyneside and Sunderland customers?
For local customers, O2 5G+ means a faster, more responsive and more reliable mobile experience at no extra cost when using a compatible device and up-to-date SIM or eSIM. The additional capacity can help people stay connected while commuting, working, streaming, navigating and using mobile services in busy locations.
Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2: “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.”
What’s next for O2 5G+ in the North East?
Throughout 2026, O2 will continue expanding and strengthening its 5G+ network as part of the £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan. The programme is focused on improving the places and journeys where connectivity matters most, while adding capacity and extending reliable coverage across the UK.
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