O2, part of Virgin Media, has announced that it now operates the UK’s largest 5G Standalone (5GSA) network, extending coverage to over 500 towns and cities across the country, reaching more than 70% of the UK’s population — approximately 49 million people. Notably, this extensive coverage is being provided to consumers at no additional cost.
The rollout marks a significant milestone in the operator’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which has been progressing rapidly since its launch in February 2024. The 5GSA network offers a fully end-to-end 5G experience, delivering ultra-low latency, enhanced energy efficiency, faster speeds — particularly for uploads — and features such as network slicing, improved IoT support, Voice over New Radio (VoNR or Vo5G), along with increased reliability and security. Unlike most existing 5G networks in the UK, which are non-standalone (NSA) and rely partially on slower 4G infrastructure, O2’s 5GSA is designed to be a more advanced and future-proof solution.
While the population coverage figures are impressive, it is worth noting that none of the major UK mobile operators have yet published detailed geographic coverage maps for their 5GSA networks, leaving uncertainty about the extent of actual physical coverage on the ground. The operator’s claim of “at least 90% outdoor coverage” in the 500 locations aims to ensure a more consistent and reliable user experience, competing closely with EE’s 95% outdoor coverage target.
The historic town of Bakewell in Derbyshire celebrated becoming the 500th location to benefit from O2’s 5GSA network, marked by the creation of a giant Bakewell Tart in a nod to the town’s famous local delicacy.
“We are investing £2 million every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers. By expanding our 5G Standalone network to 500 towns and cities and covering 70% of the population, we are continuing to deliver on our commitment. This customer-centric rollout is about future-proofing our network and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at VMO2.
Device compatibility remains a key factor in the adoption of 5GSA, though the situation is improving as more smartphones support the technology. VMO2 reported a “significant increase” in the number of customers using 5GSA-capable devices since the service’s launch, with many flagship handsets now compatible. However, the company did not release specific figures. Consumers would benefit from more detailed coverage maps, similar to those available for 4G and standard 5G, to better understand where the advanced network is accessible and to evaluate the claims of coverage more effectively.
