O2 Will Launch Its 5G Network in 6 UK Cities in October

O2 Will Launch Its 5G Network in 6 UK Cities in October

5G trials and rollouts are underway in several countries around the world. In the UK, EE won the race to become the first to roll out its 5G network, with a May 30 launch targeting six major cities in the UK. Now O2 has announced its plans to roll out its 5G network in six cities in October.

O2 plans to switch on its 5G network across key hubs spread across areas of Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds. Then, the network roll out will expand to other areas, expecting to reach twenty towns and cities by the end of 2019 and fifty towns and cities by summer 2020. The key hubs which will be targeted in this rollout include train stations, important business areas and entertainment and sports venues.

When it comes to device options, O2 is offering the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G to purchase from August 8, 2019. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G will also be coming later in August, and more devices will be offered closer to launch. Customers on O2’s custom plan can move to 5G at any time they choose. Customers can also trade in their existing non-5G handset and get a new 5G handset. Complete details regarding O2’s tariffs and handset will be revealed closer to launch.

O2 is also promising to take a balanced approach to the 5G rollout, as it will continue to upgrade its 4G network across UK, giving its network a strong backbone.

O2’s announcement comes alongside another announcement from O2 and Vodafone. The companies have agreed to share 5G active equipment, such as radio antennas, on joint network sites across the UK. This will help both the companies enjoy operational efficiencies from this network sharing agreement, and reduce the impact of the 5G network rollout on the environment.

Have you tried out 5G yet? Let us know in the comments below!

By skunty empire