O2 5G+ in Derbyshire: Everything you need to know 

O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network in 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire, bringing the benefits of faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency to more residents and businesses. 

More than 380,000 people in areas including Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Swadlincote, alongside communities across the county, could now benefit from O2 5G+ at no extra cost with a compatible device and SIM. 

Here’s what you need to know about O2 5G+ coverage in Derbyshire, its benefits and how eligible customers can get connected. 

What is O2 5G+? 

O2 5G+, also known as 5G Standalone, is O2’s next-generation mobile network. Unlike earlier versions of 5G, which use existing 4G infrastructure, 5G+ is built specifically for 5G. It offers greater reliability and improved performance, while providing a platform that can support more advanced services over time.  

Benefits include faster speeds, enhanced coverage and more reliable performance in busy areas. Compatible devices can also use less power because they don’t need to connect to both 4G and 5G networks simultaneously.  

Where is O2 5G+ available in Derbyshire? 

The latest rollout brings O2 5G+ coverage to 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire, according to the supplied release. 

That includes 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. 

Each town included in the rollout has at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage, according to the supplied release. 

For coverage at a specific address, customers can use the O2 Coverage Checker, which shows predicted 2G, 4G, 5G, 5G+ and O2 Satellite coverage. Coverage can be affected by factors including buildings, trees and distance from a mast, so results are provided as a guide.  

Visit: https://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker 

What are the benefits of O2 5G+ for people in Derbyshire? 

The latest rollout is designed to give eligible customers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency. Lower latency means less delay as data travels between a device and the network, helping to create a more responsive mobile experience. 

For residents and visitors, better mobile connectivity can help with everyday activities such as browsing, streaming and staying connected while on the move. 

O2 has also said its 5G+ network is designed to provide more reliable performance in high-demand locations.  

How could O2 5G+ benefit businesses in Derbyshire? 

Businesses with eligible devices in 5G+ coverage areas can benefit from the same faster speeds, enhanced coverage and greater reliability available to consumers. 

The expansion can help businesses and their employees stay connected while working across the county, while O2’s next-generation network provides a platform capable of supporting more advanced services over time.  

What role has Derbyshire already played in O2’s 5G+ rollout? 

Derbyshire already has a place in O2’s 5G+ rollout story. In 2025, Bakewell became the 500th UK location to receive the next-generation network, according to the supplied release. 

Bakewell already had 5G+ coverage before this latest expansion, so it is not included among the 368 new locations announced in the Derbyshire rollout. 

What is O2 doing to improve connectivity in remote parts of Derbyshire? 

O2’s investment in Derbyshire extends beyond 5G+. O2 Satellite provides an additional layer of connectivity when compatible smartphones move beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks. 

The technology has already been put to use during a major wildfire near Tintwistle. O2 provided 100 satellite-ready phones to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, allowing crews working beyond traditional mobile coverage to stay in contact with colleagues, share updates and access important information.  

O2 Satellite complements, rather than replaces, the terrestrial O2 network, providing additional connectivity in remote locations.  

How does the Derbyshire rollout fit into O2’s wider network investment? 

The rollout forms part of O2’s continued investment in its mobile network. Through its £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for 2026, O2 is investing in new infrastructure and technology to improve mobile connectivity across the UK. 

That includes new masts and small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, greater automation and the deployment of additional spectrum, with the aim of enhancing reliability, capacity and coverage. 

O2 says its wider 5G+ network is now available in more than 700 towns and cities across the UK.  

How can I get O2 5G+ in Derbyshire? 

To connect to O2 5G+, customers need a compatible device, a suitable O2 SIM or eSIM and to be in a 5G+ coverage area. Some customers with older SIM cards may need to update their SIM or switch to an eSIM.  

Customers can check device compatibility and SIM requirements at https://www.o2.co.uk/5g-plus. 

Does O2 5G+ cost extra? 

No. Eligible O2 customers with a compatible device and SIM can access 5G+ at no extra cost when they are in a 5G+ coverage area.  

How can I check O2 5G+ coverage in Derbyshire? 

Customers can check predicted O2 5G+ coverage for a specific location using the O2 Coverage Checker at https://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker.  

With 368 more towns and villages joining the 5G+ rollout, O2’s latest investment is bringing its next-generation network to communities across Derbyshire, helping residents and businesses stay connected in more places.