O2 has officially announced a large-scale free upgrade for millions of its users, introducing faster 5G+ connectivity to customers nationwide in the UK. This upgraded service offers improved mobile coverage and significantly faster download speeds, with O2 guaranteeing a 50% increase compared to the previous 4G technology.

Aside from speed and reliability enhancements, users can also expect longer battery life as devices consume less power by no longer needing to connect to both 4G and 5G networks simultaneously. This is in contrast to standard 5G technology, which relies on 4G support to function.

The rollout of this upgrade is currently underway for users with 5G+ compatible devices and SIM cards, with over 700 towns and cities already activated.

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, elaborated on the benefits of the 5G+ service, stating that it is now accessible to millions of UK customers on all O2 Plans. This upgrade is designed to enhance performance in high-traffic areas, including large venues, benefiting residents and visitors alike. It reflects Virgin Media O2’s commitment to improving network quality and providing a more dependable user experience through substantial daily investments.

To check the availability of this upgraded service in your area, you can use O2’s postcode checker tool. Notable 5G+ ready devices include the iPhone 15, iPhone 16 (including 16e), iPhone 17, Google Pixel 9 series (including Fold), and Google Pixel 10 series (including Fold).

5G+ refers to an advanced iteration of 5G networks that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as higher-frequency spectrum, enhanced antennas, and network optimization to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity.