O2 brings next-generation 5G+ connectivity to communities across Northern Ireland as part of a nationwide network transformation

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ network across much of Northern Ireland as part of its UK-wide rollout 

• More than 800,000 residents 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 

Northern Ireland, 3 September 2026 – People and businesses across Northern Ireland can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, after the operator switched on its next-generation 5G+ service for customers across five cities, 22 large towns and 382 smaller towns, villages and hamlets. 

More than 800,000* residents 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 living their everyday lives. 

The 5G+ rollout will benefit communities across Northern Ireland, from major residential hubs including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Armagh, to smaller towns and villages, such as Ballycastle and Portrush.  

O2 offers the UK’s largest 5G standalone network  

O2’s 5G+ network is the UK’s largest and 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 this year. 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: “This upgrade marks another major milestone in the evolution of our network. By extending 5G+ coverage across all six counties of Northern Ireland, we’re enabling more people to benefit from faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable mobile experience.” 

“Through our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re continuing to invest in the connectivity that communities and businesses rely on every day. From cities like Belfast and Lisburn to more remote locations along the Antrim Coast, Portrush, or Ballycastle, our focus is on delivering high-quality coverage that helps our customers in Northern Ireland stay connected when it matters most.” 

The network rollout follows the recent opening of The O2 Belfast on 1 July, previously known as Belfast’s Landmark Millenium Project. O2 Priority customers can now enjoy exclusive presale access to newly announced shows before tickets go on general sale, alongside a range of other Priority benefits. 

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 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. 

O2’s rollout across Northern Ireland includes the following towns and cities: Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Armagh, Newtownabbey, Bangor, Lurgan, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Newtownards, Portadown, Coleraine, Antrim, Omagh, Larne, Banbridge, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane, Limavady, Cookstown, Holywood, Downpatrick, Craigavon, Ballymoney, Ballyclare, Bushmills, Portrush, Kilkeen, Ballycastle, Newcastle.  

 *Local population numbers calculated at 839,557 according to the latest available data held by the ONS here on Belfast, Derry City and Strabane, Lisburn and Castlereagh and Newry, Mourne and Down: https://www.ons.gov.uk/explore-local-statistics/areas/N09000003-belfast  

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