O2 launches 5G+ across all of Northern Ireland, covering over 800,000 people

en.Wedoany.com Reported - O2 has launched 5G+ services across all six counties of Northern Ireland, with coverage spanning five cities including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, and Armagh, 22 large towns, and 382 smaller towns, villages, and settlements, enabling over 800,000 residents to access the new network.

This network is available to both individual and business users, offering faster speeds, improved reliability, and lower latency at no additional cost. From major cities such as Belfast and Derry to smaller towns and villages like Ballycastle and Portrush, local communities can all access the 5G+ network.

O2 stated that the 5G+ network is the largest 5G standalone network in the UK. Unlike the previous version of 5G, which relied on existing 4G technology, 5G+ services use newly built independent infrastructure and no longer depend on the 4G network for backhaul, thereby delivering faster speeds and lower latency.

This rollout is part of Virgin Media O2's "Mobile Transformation Plan." The plan involves an investment of £700 million to carry out a large-scale upgrade of the O2 network within the year, enhancing reliability, capacity, and coverage nationwide through the deployment of new macro sites and small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation, and new spectrum.

Independent benchmarking firm Umlaut Connect named Virgin Media O2 the most improved mobile network in Europe in 2025, based on criteria covering reliability, coverage, and performance. Virgin Media O2 also won the "Best Mobile Network Coverage" award at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for the second consecutive year.

Prior to this network deployment, The O2 Belfast venue officially opened on July 1. The venue was formerly the Landmark Millennium Project, a Belfast landmark, and O2 Priority customers can enjoy presale access to new event tickets before they go on general sale.

Using 5G+ requires a compatible device and an appropriate tariff, and the SIM card must be kept up to date; some customers may need to switch to a digital eSIM. Full terms and activation instructions are available on the O2 website (https://www.o2.co.uk/5g-plus).

Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said that this upgrade extends 5G+ coverage to all six counties of Northern Ireland, giving more users access to faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable mobile experience, with the £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan continuing to invest in related network infrastructure. He noted that coverage has expanded from cities such as Belfast and Lisburn to more remote areas including the Antrim coast, Portrush, and Ballycastle, with the goal of ensuring Northern Ireland customers stay connected in key scenarios.