O2 has switched on its new 5G Standalone mobile network.
The service is now live across towns in Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Oldham, and Bury.
The network upgrade promises faster, more reliable coverage and improved signal strength, supporting smoother connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors in more locations.
More than 589,000 people in Manchester alone are expected to benefit from the enhanced 5G service.
The 5G Standalone network is the largest of its kind in the UK and is available to O2 customers with compatible devices at no extra cost.
Unlike earlier versions of 5G, which relied on existing 4G infrastructure, the 5G Standalone service is built entirely on new infrastructure.
The network is designed to support Greater Manchester’s growing digital sector and visitor economy.
A large student population, frequent major events, and heavy daily transport use all create high demand for reliable mobile connectivity.
Improved coverage is expected to support commuters and travellers in surrounding towns, especially along busy transport routes and during city centre events such as football matches and concerts.
O2 said the rollout forms part of its broader investment programme in the region, which includes its new North West headquarters in Manchester.
Recent upgrades to 4G and 5G mobile services at 65 locations are improving coverage for more than 14,000 postcodes across Manchester.
The 5G Standalone expansion is part of Virgin Media O2’s national Mobile Transformation Plan.
This programme focuses on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, deploying small cells to boost capacity in dense urban areas.
Professor Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2, said: "Our new 5G Standalone network is now live in Manchester and surrounding towns, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the city.
"We are investing every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers, future-proofing our connectivity and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead."
Source: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25865253.o2-launches-faster-5g-network-bolton-bury-oldham/
