UK: O2 Upgrades 5,700 Manchester Postcodes for 5G Boost
O2, part of Virgin Media O2, has announced the successful completion of major upgrades to its mobile network across Manchester in the UK. Since the beginning of 2024, 4G and 5G capacity have been boosted in more than 5,700 postcodes.
The major infrastructure investment, part of its US$915m Mobile Transformation Plan, is designed to deliver faster, more reliable mobile connectivity to residents and businesses.
With mobile data usage at an all-time high, the improvements come at a critical time for organisations increasingly reliant on digital services.
Investing in the future of mobile connectivity
Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan is a long-term investment strategy to expand next-generation connectivity nationwide.
The plan includes deploying new small cell technology to enhance network performance in densely populated areas, upgrading major venues, and strategically retiring outdated infrastructure such as 3G.
The enhancements made across Greater Manchester reflect a strategic commitment to urban development and technological resilience.
By significantly increasing bandwidth and signal strength, the upgrades enable seamless access to online platforms, collaboration tools, entertainment and cloud services – key for today’s mobile-first economy.
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, commented: “With customers using more data than ever before, the improvements we’ve made at over 5,700 postcodes in Manchester will ensure local people and businesses can access reliable connectivity that is so essential in powering our customers’ digital lifestyles.
"As part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, we are continuing to invest in our network with future upgrades planned to ensure that we can continue to support our customers both now and in future.”
Supporting businesses, residents and significant events
As part of the wider infrastructure effort in the UK, Virgin Media O2 has completed an upgrade at Heaton Park, one of Manchester’s most prominent public venues. The site is now supported by enhanced mobile coverage, delivering higher speeds and consistent performance, benefitting both the local community and visitors ahead of a packed summer event season.
Such venue-specific upgrades align with O2’s focus on ensuring strong connectivity where people work, travel, and gather, including stadiums, arenas, airports, and key transport corridors. For organisations operating in or around such areas, the improvements offer greater confidence in business continuity and digital engagement.
Additional benefits for business customers
O2 continues to stand apart in several areas of customer value. It remains the only UK mobile network operator not to have reinstated roaming charges in Europe—an attractive feature for businesses with a travelling workforce.
Through the Volt partnership, formed following the Virgin Media and O2 merger, customers can access additional rewards such as broadband speed boosts, double mobile data, and inclusive roaming in 75 international destinations. Businesses that combine Virgin Media broadband with an eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan receive upgraded speeds at no extra cost—a compelling benefit in today’s bandwidth-intensive environment.
The completed upgrades in Manchester form part of a wider national programme to future-proof the UK’s mobile infrastructure.
With significant investment committed, Virgin Media O2 aims to continue leading the charge in delivering next-generation mobile connectivity to communities and businesses alike.
For enterprises based in Manchester and across the UK, O2’s expanding and evolving network offers the performance, resilience and innovation required to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
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