O2 brings next-generation 5G+ connectivity to Surrey

• O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ Standalone network in 33 large towns, 48 smaller towns and 194 rural villages across Surrey as part of its UK-wide rollout
• Up to 1.2 million residents across Surrey can now enjoy 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

People and businesses across Surrey, including Dorking, Epsom, Guildford, Haslemere, Redhill, Reigate, Staines and Weybridge, can now access O2’s most advanced mobile network yet, following the switch-on of its next-generation 5G+ service.

More than 1.2 million residents across 275 locations in Surrey will now benefit from the next-generation network, which delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency, helping to support customers living their everyday lives.

As a major commuter county bordering London, Surrey sees thousands of professionals travelling from home to their workplace via busy transport routes each day. Improved mobile reliability and lower latency will help support connectivity on the move, from busy town centres like Guildford and Staines, to key transport corridors.

The upgrade also supports Surrey’s role as an increasingly important business location. The county is home to several company headquarters and regional offices in urban hubs, alongside a growing innovation and research cluster spanning aerospace and defence, tech, and life sciences.

O2’s 5G+ network is the largest 5G standalone network in the UK 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 infrastructure to deliver a stronger more resilient mobile experience.

These upgrades form part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which will deliver another major upgrade to the company’s mobile network in 2026. The investment will enhance reliability, capacity and coverage across the UK through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment.

Customers across Britain are also benefitting from the recent launch of O2 Satellite, which allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites when in remote locations that have traditionally had no phone signal for the first time, helping tackle long-standing connectivity gaps in rural communities.

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

Boosting coverage for customers

Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan helped the operator become Europe’s most improved mobile network last year, according to independent benchmarking by Umlaut Connect. It was also awarded Best Mobile Network Coverage at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for the second year in a row, which recognised the scale, reach and reliability of its mobile network.

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 counties, towns and cities included in Virgin Media O2’s 5G+ programme rollout have at least 90% 5G+ standalone outdoor coverage.

O2’s rollout in Surrey includes the following towns: Ashford, Banstead, Epsom, Guildford, Horley, Redhill, Walton-on-Thames, Woking, Addlestone, Ash, Ashtead, Camberley, Caterham, Chertsey, Cobham, Dorking, Englefield Green, Esher, Farnham, Frimley, Godalming, Haslemere, Leatherhead, Lightwater, Molesey, Reigate, Staines, Stanwell, Sunbury, Thames Ditton, Warlingham, West Byfleet, and Weybridge.

Local population statistics are according to the latest data held by the ONS for Surrey here.