ONE of the UK’s biggest network providers has finished major works to boost speeds – and it comes just weeks after it started closing down another long-running service.
The latest “substantial” upgrade benefits thousands of Brits.
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O2 says it has completed works to bring greater 4G and 5G network connections around Manchester.
The project started in 2024 and serves as an instant boost to more than 5,700 postcodes across the city.
It includes visitors to the popular Heaton Park.
The firm says the upgrade forms part of its huge transformation plan.
Virgin Media O2 expects to spend around £700million to “future-proof its mobile network” this year.
Small cells are being used to boost capacity in dense urban areas.
“At the same time, Virgin Media O2 is also carrying out major programmes to evolve its mobile network for the future, which will mean decommissioning outdated parts of the network, including the 3G network,” Virgin Media O2 said.
“This will enable the operator to move traffic on to the more energy- efficient and reliable 4G and 5G networks.”
Virgin Media O2 has just started switching off 3G this month.
It’s the last of the big four networks to do so, as part of a joint target set by providers and the Government.
The first place to lose 3G is the City of Durham, which began on April 2.
“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,” said Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.
“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.”
3G switch off: Is it that big of a deal?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s the end of an era.
3G brought significantly faster mobile internet speeds enabling millions to do things like watching YouTube videos without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
But nothing lasts forever, and 3G has been overtaken by 4G and 5G too.
There will be concerns that vulnerable people could be left behind by the move.
Fortunately, the mobile networks have led schemes to upgrade people.
So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
