O2's 5G network is now LIVE!

[Chris_K]

O2 Switches on 5G with Unlimited Data, Flexible Plans and No Premium

• O2 launches 5G on its revolutionary Custom Plans, with unlimited data, and no 5G premium 
• Network rollout begins across the UK today in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds, reaching a total of 20 towns and cities in 2019  
• Exclusive partnership with MelodyVR and Oculus from Facebook gives music fans intimate access to gigs and musicians through cutting edge Virtual Reality 
• Business partnerships with ITN, Samsung and Northumbrian Water Group demonstrate real-world 5G use cases and their potential to boost the British economy 

17 October 2019: O2 today launches its 5G network with a range of new tariffs, including an unlimited data option, at the same price as its 4G equivalents. From today, customers can access 5G through O2’s revolutionary custom plans, giving them the flexibility to take advantage of 5G on their terms. O2 has also released an exclusive partnership tariff with Oculus from Facebook and MelodyVR, the destination for music in virtual reality, giving customers exclusive VR music experiences.

O2’s 5G network is launching in six locations across the UK: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds, improving capacity and reliability in key places. The network will initially switch on where it’s needed most, including 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. The network will be live in a total of 20 towns and cities by the end of the year, and 50 by summer 2020.

Mark Evans, CEO, Telefónica UK, said: “Today is a significant moment for our customers and our business as we switch on the O2 5G network. We’re launching with a range of tariffs that make it easy and fair for customers to access 5G, with flexible plans that cost no more than 4G. We’re also switching on 5G in important parts of towns and cities first, places where it will benefit customers and businesses most.

"I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society. No one in the country has all the answers today, but I’m excited about getting it into the hands of our customers and working with leading partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”

For more information on our 5G launch, including our tariffs, more information on MelodyVR, our '5Guarantee', business partnerships and more, check out our full press release here.

[Luke30]

Oh so you say @gmarkj Bournemouth will will have 5G at the end of this year dose that mean Poole as well?

[gmarkj]

Well. That is the list on an o2 page, so it is what they are planning.
As for Poole, i suppose it would depend on how far the signal goes from the mast!

[viridis]

About 200 - 300 meters

[viridis]

Think of 5G as less like a mobile mast, and more like a high range WiFi hotspot

[jonsie]

I think we can rule out Poole along with any other outlying districts of the main cities until these areas are upgraded as with 4G. I remember that it was months before Bolton got 4G after 4G was available in Manchester, that was only 12 miles away. 

[viridis]

I think anywhere outside the city centre or busy areas of said cities can be ruled out for many a year yet.