Big 5G upgrade coming for Kent
Key Points
- O2 has switched on its 5G+ standalone network across Kent, covering 125 towns, 303 villages and 246 hamlets.
- Up to 1.6 million residents can access faster speeds, wider coverage and lower latency at no extra cost.
- Coverage includes Canterbury, Dover, Tonbridge, Faversham, Folkestone, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.
- The switch-on forms part of Virgin Media O2's £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan.
- Customers need a compatible handset and plan, and an up-to-date SIM — some will have to move to an eSIM.
O2 has switched on its 5G+ network across Kent, opening faster speeds and lower latency to up to 1.6 million residents at no extra cost.
The upgrade reaches 125 towns, 303 villages and 246 hamlets across the county, including Canterbury, Dover, Tonbridge, Faversham, Folkestone, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.
O2 said the network will delivers greater reliability and reduced latency across streaming, video calls, browsing and navigation. Kent’s commuter towns and its position on the busiest routes to mainland Europe – the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel and international rail services – sit inside the coverage area.
5G+ runs on new standalone infrastructure rather than the existing 4G core that earlier 5G services depend on, which is what allows the higher speeds and lower latency.
The rollout forms part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which covers new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment across the UK this year.
“Our upgraded 5G+ network is now available across Kent, a county with a huge variety of connectivity needs. On any given day, our network supports residents going about their daily lives, holidaymakers exploring the county’s attractions and people travelling to and from mainland Europe,” said Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in our 5G+ network through our Mobile Transformation Plan. By delivering faster, more reliable mobile connectivity to more places in Kent, we’re helping our customers stay connected today while building the network they’ll rely on in the years ahead.”
“Good mobile connectivity has become an essential part of everyday life and the further enhancement of O2’s network across urban and rural areas in the county is a positive step,” said David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects at Kent County Council.
