Big 5G upgrade for the Lake District

O2 has switched on its 5G+ network across Cumbria, reaching over 219,000 people. The operator announced on Wednesday (21 October) that customers in Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Workington and Ulverston can now use the service at no extra cost.

O2 based the 219,000 figure on ONS 2021 Census data for Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Workington, Ulverston, Millom, Keswick and Seaton. O2 said every town included in the rollout has at least 90% outdoor 5G+ coverage, including:

• Carlisle
• Barrow-in-Furness
• Workington
• Ulverston
• Walney
• Millom
• Keswick
• Seaton
• Askam-in-Furness
• Appleby
• Arnside
• Milnthorpe
• Sedbergh
• Longtown

Earlier versions of 5G relied on existing 4G technology to run. O2’s 5G+ service uses new standalone infrastructure, which the operator said delivers faster speeds, better reliability and lower latency.

Customers need a compatible device and plan, along with an up-to-date SIM, to access 5G+. O2 said some customers may need to switch to a digital eSIM to use the service.

The Cumbria rollout forms part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which is upgrading the company’s network throughout 2026. The plan includes new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment.

O2 also offers O2 Satellite, a satellite-to-mobile service for eligible customers in areas without a terrestrial mobile signal. Mountainous terrain and remote communities make traditional mobile coverage difficult to deliver across parts of Cumbria.

“Reliable mobile connectivity is vital to everyday life across Cumbria, helping local businesses thrive and keeping residents connected wherever they are,” said Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access engineering at O2.

“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in strengthening our network across Cumbria as part of our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan,” he said.

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