- O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across Bristol as part of its UK-wide rollout
- Up to 495,000 people across the city could now benefit from faster speeds, better coverage and lower latency at no extra cost
- The rollout forms part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which is boosting reliability, capacity and coverage across the UK
Bristol, 6 October 2026 – People and businesses across Bristol can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, after the operator switched on its next-generation 5G+ service for customers in the region.
Up to 495,000 people* across the city could now benefit from the next-generation network, which delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency at no extra cost, helping to support customers stay connected in their everyday lives.
The 5G+ rollout will benefit communities across Bristol, from the city centre and Harbourside to surrounding neighbourhoods and Avonmouth, improving connectivity across the city.
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: “Reliable connectivity is increasingly essential to how people live, work and do business, which is why we’re continuing to invest in strengthening our network in the city.
“This rollout is part of our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan and brings 5G+ to more customers across Bristol. With faster speeds, lower latency and improved reliability, the upgrade will deliver high-quality coverage that helps our customers stay connected when it matters most.”
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 and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5G+ programme rollout have at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage.
*495,000 population figure sourced from the latest available data held by ONS 2024 population estimates for Bristol here: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/documents/9774-the-population-of-bristol/filehttps://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/E06000023-bristol-city-of
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