O2's 5G service goes live

O2 has launched its 5G network in the UK, with a range of new tariffs including an unlimited data plan. The 5G network is live in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds, improving capacity and reliability in key places.

The company will deploy 5G first in locations where high capacity is required, such as busy footfall areas around London Waterloo and Kings Cross; Haymarket in Edinburgh; Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds; and Belfast South city centre; or in busy match-day hotspots around Twickenham or the Emirates Stadium.

O2’s 5G network will grow to 20 towns and cities by the end of the year, rising to 50 by next summer. The equipment is being provided by Ericsson and Nokia. O2 is investing more than £2 million a day across its network. O2 and other operators are partnering to develop the Shared Rural Network (SRN) proposal, to increase total UK geographic coverage.

O2 currently offers four devices that support 5G: : Samsung Galaxy S10 5G; Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G; Samsung Galaxy A90 (5G); and the Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G.

The company has also launched a range of 5G business tariffs. Small and midsize business (SMB) and enterprise customers will have access to a ‘no premium’ 5G Access bolt-on, which can be added to a customer’s subscription, without the need to change their contract.