O2 UK to Upgrade 4G and 5G Mobile Signals for 22 Haven Holiday Parks

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) and partner Freshwave have today revealed that they’re in the process of upgrading their 4G and 5G mobile (mobile broadband) network for visitors to 22 Haven holiday parks across the UK “ahead of a summer of staycations“. We’ll overlook that it’s already the latter half of summer and the deployment won’t finish until 2026.

Freshwave typically deploys small cell style solutions, which are akin to small shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations that are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy areas and specific sites – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lampposts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (more cost-effective than building new street assets).

Four sites have already gone live with improved 5G, with more expected to follow this summer and during early 2026. The first upgraded sites include Thornwick Bay Holiday Park in Yorkshire and Skegness Holiday Park in Lincolnshire, but a full list wasn’t available.

James Bromley, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Haven, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with O2 and Freshwave to bring enhanced mobile connectivity to our parks. Our guests and owners expect to stay connected, whether it’s sharing memories, streaming entertainment, or working remotely. I’m delighted that our investment in our parks has attracted O2 to ensure we’re delivering the best possible experience for families choosing to holiday or own at our parks.”

The upgrades form part of O2’s wider Mobile Transformation Plan, which is investing around £700m this year into their national mobile network – “ensuring it is fit for the future and can keep up with increasing customer demand“. Naturally, we’d hope that EE are also working to deliver strong signals and performance across the same parks, while Vodafone did something similar last year (here).