Gloucester has taken a significant leap forward in mobile connectivity as O2 launches its cutting-edge 5G Standalone network, delivering the fastest and most reliable mobile speeds yet across nearly the entire city.
Starting January 15, around 138,000 Gloucester residents and businesses gained access to O2’s latest 5G Standalone technology, providing more than 90% outdoor coverage throughout the city. This upgrade promises faster data speeds, stronger signals, and a smoother mobile experience for locals and visitors alike.
Unlike earlier 5G services that relied on 4G infrastructure, O2’s Standalone 5G network is built on entirely new infrastructure, enabling enhanced performance, improved network responsiveness, and greater reliability. The next-generation technology inherently offers stronger indoor coverage, reduced battery consumption, and heightened security with advanced end-to-end encryption.
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O2’s 5G Standalone network stands as the UK’s largest of its kind and is available at no additional cost to customers with compatible devices. Alongside Gloucester, the network is live in over 500 UK locations, fueling digital innovation and elevating mobile services nationwide.
This upgrade is particularly timely for Gloucester, which is rapidly growing as a hub of technology and cyber innovation. The city recently became home to one of the UK’s prominent space manufacturing centres, with an AI Centre of Excellence scheduled to open at the University of Gloucester in 2026.
Dr Robert Joyce, O2’s director of mobile access engineering, commented, “Launching our 5G Standalone network in Gloucester marks a major milestone in enhancing connectivity for both individuals and businesses. We are committed to continuous investment that will future-proof our network, enabling new opportunities and innovations for the community.”
O2’s rollout in Gloucester is part of a broader UK initiative under Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, aiming to extend 4G and 5G coverage, increase network capacity in dense urban areas, and resolve longstanding coverage challenges at key transport hubs and public venues across the country.