Mobile network provider gives out free upgrade weeks after key service closure

FOOTBALL fans using a major mobile network will notice a 5G speed boost this week.

The free upgrade will benefit thousands of users this weekend – and millions more to come.

O2 has announced that it has finally launched enhanced 5G connectivity in and around Wembley Stadium.

Of course, the next big event to take place there is this weekend’s FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

More than 2.5million people are expected descend on the stadium this summer for a record number of events, including seven Oasis shows and Dua Lipa.

The upgrade is made possible thanks to kit called 5G standalone, which is the fastest network technology available, meaning apps and videos will load much zippier with improved latency.

When connected to 5G Standalone you essentially receive the truest form of 5G there is.

Currently, most of the 5G you see is actually Non-Standalone, which is some 4G tech mixed in with 5G upgrades – and therefore connections aren’t at their full speed potential.

O2 says it has also deployed seven new small cells outside the Wembley Stadium and upgraded two masts in the area to make the speeds possible in such a busy network area, particularly during events.

Virgin Media O2 is spending around £700million this year to future-proof its mobile network as it works to expand its 4G and 5G coverage.

Part of the plan is to use more dedicated small cells to boost capacity in busy urban areas, as well as addressing persistent network pain points including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

“Wembley is one of the UK’s most iconic venues and this summer promises to be one of its biggest in living memory, from the FA Cup Final to the long-awaited return of Oasis,” said Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.

“Our investment in and around the stadium is designed to give a huge capacity boost to O2 customers attending these events, so they have the best possible experience.”

The move comes as O2 starts shutting down its old 3G network across the UK in favour of more faster 4G and 5G.

3G was switched off in the city of Durham first, in April.

Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have O2 3G withdrawn on July 16.

Torquay will follow on August 4.