- O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network in 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire, including Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Swadlincote
- Residents and businesses with compatible devices can now benefit from faster speeds, better coverage and lower latency at no extra cost
- The rollout builds on O2’s continued investment in Derbyshire and forms part of its £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan
Derbyshire, 5 November 2026 – People and businesses in 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire can now access O2’s next-generation 5G+ network, following the latest phase of the operator’s UK-wide rollout.
More than 380,000 people* in areas including Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Swadlincote, and other communities across the county could now benefit from the next-generation network, which delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency at no extra cost, helping customers stay connected in their everyday lives.
Derbyshire has already played a memorable part in O2’s 5G+ expansion. Last year, Bakewell became the 500th location in the UK to receive the next-generation network, an occasion celebrated with the creation of a record-breaking giant Bakewell Tart.
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 throughout 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: “From Bakewell becoming our 500th 5G+ location last year to supporting Derbyshire firefighters with O2 Satellite during a major wildfire earlier this year, we’re continuing to invest in better connectivity across the county.
“This latest rollout builds on our continued investment in Derbyshire, bringing faster speeds, improved reliability and lower latency to residents and businesses alike. Through our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re pleased to bring the benefits of our next-generation network to more customers, helping them stay connected whenever they need to.”
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 included in Virgin Media O2’s 5G+ programme rollout have at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage, these include: Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Swadlincote, Heanor, Buxton, Dronfield, Belper, Ripley, Matlock, Disley, Brookfield, South Normanton, Shirebrook, Staveley, Bolsover, Somercotes and Brimington alongside 349 other towns, villages and hamlets.
Bakewell, which received 5G+ coverage in 2025, is not included in the 368 new locations announced.
*380,000 population figure sourced from the latest available data held by ONS 2024 population estimates for Derby and Chesterfield here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E06000015-derby and https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E05015179-spire
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