O2 brings faster, more reliable 5G to Sheffield and surrounding areas

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G Standalone network in Sheffield as part of its UK-wide rollout which is now live in more than 500 locations
• The investment is part of the operator’s Mobile Transformation Programme to boost connectivity and reliability across the UK
• Residents and businesses in Sheffield and surrounding areas can now enjoy faster speeds, improved coverage and reduced latency, with at least 90% outdoor 5G Standalone coverage in the area

People and businesses across Sheffield are now benefiting from O2’s most advanced mobile network ever, as the company switches on its next-generation 5G Standalone service locally, delivering faster speeds and lower latency across the city.

Roughly 580,000 residents across the city of Sheffield and in surrounding areas including Chapeltown, Mexborough, Wombwell, Swinton, Dinnington, and Wickersley will be able to benefit from the new 5G Standalone network. The new technology provides more reliable, faster mobile coverage and stronger signal in more places, meaning a smoother experience for residents, commuters and visitors.

O2’s 5G Standalone network is the largest in the UK and is available to customers with compatible devices at no extra cost.

Future-proofing Sheffield in a boost for local people and businesses

With 90% outdoor 5G Standalone coverage across Sheffield and surrounding areas, the rollout is expected to benefit local residents and businesses alike. This will support everything from flexible working and digital education to innovation across Sheffield’s manufacturing, healthcare and creative sectors.

Unlike earlier versions of 5G that relied on 4G technology, O2’s 5G Standalone service is built entirely on new infrastructure. This technology is now live, improving mobile services for O2 customers today and prepares the region for future innovation like smart transport, connected healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “Our new 5G Standalone network is now live in Sheffield, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the city. We are investing every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers, with these upgrades futureproofing our network and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead.”

The rollout in Sheffield forms part of O2’s wider UK programme to bring 5G Standalone to urban centres, towns and communities of all sizes. These upgrades are part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

Ends

Notes to editors

All 500 towns and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5GSA programme rollout have at least 90% 5G standalone outdoor coverage.

Sheffield and surrounding areas include: Chapeltown, Mexborough, Wombwell, Swinton, Conisbrough, Dinnington, Wickersley, Rossington, Bessacarr, Armthorpe, Bentley, Maltby, Hoyland and Thurnscoe.

Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the ONS for Sheffield here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E08000019-sheffield/indicators