O2 has announced the switch-on of its next generation 5G+ network across much of Northern Ireland.
The mobile company said the cloud-native core network is now available for up to 839,000 people across the north.
Unlike standard 5G, which partially relies on legacy 4G infrastructure, O2 said its new 5G+ service operates on its own dedicated network.
It said the upgraded network will mean faster speeds, better coverage and lower latency at no extra cost for tens of thousands of users with compatible devices.
The upgrades are part of parent group Virgin Media O2’s ongoing £700 million network upgrade.
The telecoms giant said the investment will enhance reliability, capacity and coverage through new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation and new spectrum deployment.
“This upgrade marks another major milestone in the evolution of our network,” said Professor Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2.
“By extending 5G+ coverage across all six counties of Northern Ireland, we’re enabling more people to benefit from faster speeds, lower latency and a more reliable mobile experience.”
“Through our £700m Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re continuing to invest in the connectivity that communities and businesses rely on every day.
“From cities like Belfast and Lisburn to more remote locations along the Antrim Coast, Portrush, or Ballycastle, our focus is on delivering high-quality coverage that helps our customers in Northern Ireland stay connected when it matters most.”
O2 said some customers may need to switch to a digital eSIM to benefit from the upgraded network.
The telecoms group said the rollout includes Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Armagh, Newtownabbey, Bangor, Lurgan, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Newtownards, Portadown, Coleraine, Antrim, Omagh, Larne, Banbridge, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane, Limavady, Cookstown, Holywood, Downpatrick, Craigavon, Ballymoney, Ballyclare, Bushmills, Portrush, Kilkeen, Ballycastle and Newcastle.
