O2 UK Expand 5G Standalone Mobile Broadband Network to Essex

Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today announced that they’ve switched-on their next-generation 5G Standalone (5GSA) mobile broadband network in Essex (England) as part of its UK-wide rollout, which is now live in a total of more than 500 locations (70% of the UK’s population or c.49 million people).

Just to recap. 5GSA networks are pure end-to-end 5G that can deliver ultra-low latency times, greater energy efficiency, better speeds (particularly uploads), network slicing, improved support for IoT devices, increased reliability and security etc. Most existing 5G networks use a Non-Standalone (NSA) approach, which is hobbled by being partly reliant upon older and slower 4G infrastructure.

O2’s 5GSA rollout first began in February 2024 (here) and typically aims to reach “at least 90% outdoor coverage” in every location they target. The same will be true for Essex and O2’s new 5GSA network has already gone live in Colchester, Chelmsford, Loughton and Billericay. The county has a total population of around 1.5 million.

Essex Locations with O2’s 5GSA

Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Canvey Island, Chadwell St Mary, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Frinton-on-Sea, Grays, Halstead, Harlow, Loughton, Maldon, Rayleigh, Rochford, Saffron Walden, Shenfield, South Benfleet, South Ockendon, Southend-on-Sea, South Woodham Ferrers, Thundersley, Waltham Abbey, Waltham Cross, Wickford, and Witham.

O2’s network upgrade is available to customers with compatible devices “at no extra cost“.

Professor Robert Joyce, O2’s Director of Mobile Access Engineering, said:

“As part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, we are investing £2m every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers. By expanding our next-generation 5G Standalone network to Essex we are upgrading services for local people and are excited about the opportunities the new network will bring.”