Virgin Media O2 rolls out free 5G+ upgrade across UK

Virgin Media O2 has upgraded millions of O2 customers to its 5G Standalone service, branded 5G+, at no extra cost. The service is now live across more than 700 towns and cities in the UK.

The change applies to O2 Pay Monthly customers with compatible devices. Customers also need an eligible SIM: one bought from 2024 onwards or an eSIM.

5G Standalone differs from earlier 5G deployments because it runs on a dedicated 5G core network. Many UK 5G services have relied on 4G infrastructure for part of the connection. Standalone networks aim to deliver a more consistent experience in busy areas and can reduce network response times.

Coverage push

The 5G+ footprint now covers locations from Southend-on-Sea to Aberdeen. Customers can access the service within a 5G+ area with a compatible handset and SIM set-up.

Virgin Media O2 positioned the move as a differentiator in the UK market, saying rival networks EE and Vodafone restrict access to similar 5G Standalone services to customers on higher-tier plans.

Users with a compatible device but an older physical SIM may need to switch to an eSIM. The change is available at no extra cost. Android users need to contact O2 or visit an O2 store for support with the switch.

Device requirements

O2 listed a range of 5G+ capable smartphones, including recent Apple iPhone models such as the iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 ranges, as well as iPhone Air. It also includes Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 devices, including Fold models.

Other manufacturers on the compatibility list include Samsung, Motorola, Sony, Oppo, Honor, HMD, TCL and Nothing. Supported models span the Samsung Galaxy S23, S24 and S25 lines, the Galaxy Fold and Flip ranges, and several Galaxy A-series devices.

Virgin Media O2 linked the 5G+ rollout to changes in how devices connect to mobile networks, saying 5G Standalone can improve reliability in busy areas. It added that phones may use less power because they no longer need to connect to both 4G and 5G networks at the same time.

The company also compared 5G+ performance with 4G, saying average speeds are around 50% faster than 4G.

Network spend

The upgrade is part of a broader mobile network investment programme. Virgin Media O2 is investing £700m in its mobile network this year, focusing on expanding coverage, improving reliability and increasing speeds.

Separately, O2 said it is investing £2 million every day as it prepares for further changes in mobile technology. It did not explain how that daily figure relates to the annual £700m programme, or whether it includes other network spending across Virgin Media O2.

The operator also cited third-party recognition, saying Uswitch recently named O2 the UK's best network for mobile coverage for the second consecutive year.

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the operator is making the service broadly available across its consumer base.

"Our 5G+ service is now available to millions of customers across the UK, and uniquely, it's available to everyone on O2 across all Plans - unlike other networks.

The upgrade boosts performance in busy areas, including major venues that host big crowds, benefiting both residents and visitors, and is another example of Virgin Media O2's commitment to enhancing our network and delivering a more reliable experience. We're investing £2 million every day to help our customers prepare for the next wave of mobile innovation."

Virgin Media O2 said 5G+ coverage will continue to expand as it extends its Standalone network build across more UK locations.