O2 5G+ in Kent in 2026: where it’s available, how to access it and what it means for customers

Key facts about O2’s 5G+ upgrade in Kent 

O2 has expanded its 5G+ network across Kent, bringing 5G Standalone connectivity to communities including Maidstone, Canterbury, Dover, Ashford, Sevenoaks, Folkestone, Tonbridge and Whitstable. 

Up to 1.6 million Kent residents could benefit from the rollout, which covers 125 towns, 303 villages and 246 hamlets across the county. 

Eligible O2 customers can access 5G+ at no extra cost with a compatible device, plan and SIM. 

Is O2 5G+ available in Kent? 

Yes. O2 5G+ is available across Kent, including the following large towns and cities, as well as smaller towns and rural areas: 

Maidstone, Gravesend, Chatham, Ashford, Ramsgate, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Gillingham, Dartford, Folkestone, Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Rainham, Tonbridge, Herne Bay, Margate, Dover, Strood, Whitstable, Rochester, Deal, Sevenoaks, Aylesford, Queenborough, Faversham, Swanley, Westgate-on-Sea, Hythe, Greenhithe, Sheerness, Birchington, Kings Hill and Swanscombe.  

Locations included in the rollout benefit from at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage, helping customers stay connected across the county whether they’re visiting family and friends or enjoying its cities, coastline and countryside. 

What is O2 5G+? 

O2 5G+ is O2’s 5G Standalone mobile network. Unlike non-standalone 5G networks, which continue to rely partly on 4G infrastructure, 5G Standalone uses dedicated 5G core technology to deliver lower latency, higher capacity and improved reliability. 

Why is 5G+ better? 

O2 5G+ enables:  

• Lower latency, meaning faster response times for apps and services. 

• Greater capacity, allowing more devices to connect simultaneously without performance drops. 

• Improved reliability, particularly in busy or densely populated areas. 

How else is O2 investing in Kent? 

The Kent upgrade forms part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which is upgrading mobile infrastructure across the UK through new masts, additional spectrum, network automation and improvements to both 4G and 5G services. 

What are the benefits of 5G+ for me or my business? 

For residents, 5G+ improves everyday mobile experiences: 

• Smoother video calls and streaming 

• Faster download and upload speeds 

• More reliable connections in busy places 

• Better performance for gaming, navigation and cloud-based apps 

For businesses, the rollout supports:  

• Reliable connectivity for hybrid working and mobile workforces 

• Improved access to cloud platforms and data-heavy applications  

• Stronger digital infrastructure for innovation and collaboration 

Does O2 5G+ cost extra?  

No. O2 5G+ is available at no additional cost for Pay Monthly customers with a compatible device and SIM. 

How can I access O2 5G+ in Kent? 

To use O2 5G+, you will need: 

• A compatible 5G+ device 

• An O2 Pay Monthly plan 

• A compatible SIM 

• To be within a 5G+ coverage area 

Do I need a new SIM for O2 5G+? 

Some customers may require an updated SIM or eSIM to access 5G+. You can check your requirements on the O2 website. 

How can I check if 5G+ is available where I live? 

You can check local coverage, compatible devices and plan requirements by visiting: https://www.o2.co.uk/5g-plus  

Which places in Kent have O2 5G+? 

These are named locations within a broader rollout across Kent and are not a complete list of every community with coverage.