• O2 announces network innovations to enhance coverage in London, ensuring that it continues to meet the ever-growing mobile data demands of businesses and consumers
  • The company also announces plans to install 1,400 small cells across London by the end of 2017, increasing capacity whilst also laying foundations for future 5G deployment

Today, O2 reveals that it will spend £80m on enhancing connectivity in London this year, as it continues to invest to deliver on the capital’s growing demand for mobile data.

The investment will see O2 install 1,400 new small cells across the capital, in collaboration with partner Cisco providing integration services, by the end of 2017. The innovative small cell technology will deliver targeted coverage in key areas across Greater London, helping to enhance mobile signal for businesses and consumers both indoors and outdoors.

With over 80% of adults owning a smartphone* and nearly three quarters using a mobile to access the internet on the go**, customers are increasingly reliant on mobile connectivity to carry out their day-to-day lives. To stay ahead of that demand, O2 is deploying a range of technologies designed to increase network performance in urban areas including free O2 WiFi hotspots, new cell towers and small cells.

The roll-out also helps lay the foundations for a rapid deployment of 5G connectivity when it becomes available. Earlier this year, O2 research revealed that 5G connectivity will outstrip the economic benefits of fibre broadband by 2026, contributing an additional £7 billion a year to the UK economy.

Derek McManus, COO of O2, said: “We recognise that customers’ need for mobile data in London and other urban areas continues to grow at a rapid pace.  We understand the importance of digital connectivity in terms of driving the economy and ensuring that London can continue to compete on a global scale. This is why we’re investing in a range of innovative measures from small cells to macro masts in order to ensure we continue to give customers what they need; reliability and coverage wherever they go.”

In March this year, O2, alongside the City of London Corporation and Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd (CTIL), announced plans to install 4G mobile small cells across the Square Mile. The deal will expand coverage and enable high bandwidth services such as video-calling and video on demand throughout The City of London.

Across the UK, O2 invests over £2 million per day enabling it to deliver the best connected experience for its customers. In the past year alone, O2 has grown its 4G coverage to cover over 96 per cent of the UK population, up 10 percent year-on-year, helping to connect even more customers to 4G mobile speeds.

Notes to editors

*Deloitte Global Mobile Consumer Survey 2016

**Ofcom Communications Market Report 2016

Journalists can contact the Virgin Media O2 press office on:
press@virginmediao2.co.uk 01753 565656
Virgin Media
press enquiries
press@virginmedia.co.uk
O2
press enquiries
pressoffice@o2.com