Virgin Media O2 Switches on 5G Standalone for Business Customers

• Virgin Media O2 has today switched on its next-generation 5G Standalone network for large enterprise, public sector, and SME customers on eligible tariffs in the UK, launching at no extra cost. 

• Offering higher bandwidth and lower latency connections, Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone network enables business customers to experience wider 5G coverage and more reliable 5G connectivity. 

• The operator’s 5G rollout continues at pace, in line with the UK Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy ambition to have 5G Standalone coverage in all populated areas by 2030. 

13 February 2025, LONDON: Virgin Media O2 has today announced the switch on of its 5G Standalone network for large enterprise, public sector, and SME customers on eligible tariffs across the UK.  

Business customers in 500 towns and cities across the UK will now be able to access this major upgrade which brings wider 5G coverage, higher bandwidth, and improved latency. Customers on eligible tariffs using a compatible device and SIM will automatically benefit from the network upgrade, offering enhanced connectivity and performance, which launches at no extra cost.  

This upgrade will unlock many of the innovative use cases associated with 5G, such as autonomous transport solutions, remote healthcare and fully robotic factories. It will also enable network slicing and pave the way for Virgin Media O2 to offer dedicated services for augmented reality, gaming, advanced robotics, and other business use cases in the future. 

Unlike existing non-standalone 5G services, which have relied on parts of the 4G network to send and receive data, Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone network is a completely new network built using the newest future-proofed radio infrastructure and a totally cloud-based core. Thanks to this multi-million-pound investment, large enterprises, public sector organisations, and SMEs will benefit from enhanced network reliability and a larger coverage footprint. 

With businesses navigating a tough economic climate, many are looking for ways to improve efficiencies and productivity. This requires mobility technology that enables them to stay connected in whatever way suits them. Virgin Media O2’s 5G Standalone for business provides the future ready network that makes this a reality.  

This switch on follows another year of mammoth investment in Virgin Media O2’s mobile network, with the operator now providing 5G coverage to more than 75% of the UK population. The 5G Standalone network also uses more energy efficient technology, helping Virgin Media O2 to cut its energy use and emissions in line with its ambitious Better Connections Plan.  

Jo Bertram, Managing Director of Business and Wholesale at Virgin Media O2, said: “The switch on of our next-generation 5G Standalone network will make reliable, fast, on-demand connectivity a reality for our business customers. For the UK to capitalise on the benefits AI and the latest tech developments bring, high-quality network infrastructure is essential. Our 5G Standalone network provides a foundation for new services like Private Networks and Network Slicing, meeting the connectivity needs of businesses today and in the future.”  

Virgin Media O2 Business offers a range of services to help customers find the right solutions to fit their organisation. The 5G Standalone network compliments existing leading services to support businesses’ mobility and digital workplace needs. From financing solutions that help customers spread the cost of devices, to logistics services that ensure devices are managed and deployed where and when needed, Virgin Media O2 Business has experience helping customers across industries to seamlessly connect. All backed up by skilled service teams and device recycling to help attain customers’ ESG goals. 

Businesses looking to tap into 5G Standalone and learn more about the benefits it can have across sectors should get in touch via their account manager or get in touch at: www.virginmediao2business.co.uk  

Ends. 

Notes to editors 

5G Standalone is available to business customers on Unlimited and Sharer tariffs, inclusive of aggregated tariffs, using compatible devices and SIMs in areas where Virgin Media O2 has rolled out its 5G standalone network upgrade.