O2 begins rollout of 5G network in capital
O2 HAS become the latest mobile operator to launch its 5G network in Cardiff.
The operator has started its rollout in six cities and towns, with Belfast, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds joining the Welsh capital. O2 has promised to reach 20 locations by the end of the year.
5G technology is the next generation of mobile network and is expected to offer internet speeds several times faster than that of current-generation 4G.
O2’s launch follows that of fellow operators EE, Vodafone and Three, who each began their own rollouts to towns and cities around the country earlier this year.
Mark Evans, chief executive of O2 parent company Telefonica, said: “Today is a significant moment for our customers and our business as we switch on the O2 5G network.
“We’re launching with a range of tariffs that make it easy and fair for customers to access 5G, with flexible plans that cost no more than 4G.
“We’re also switching on 5G in important parts of towns and cities first, places where it will benefit customers and businesses most.
“I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society.
“No one in the country has all the answers today, but I’m excited about getting it into the hands of our customers and working with leading partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”
Digital Minister Matt Warman said the latest network launch of 5G would help to make the UK a leader in the technology industry.
“We want the UK to be a global leader in 5G and for the majority of the population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027,” he said.
“This investment by O2 is a great step forward in rolling out the technology across our home nations, providing world-class infrastructure to help us grow our economy and compete strongly.”
Jay Birch, founder and managing director of Blend Telecom, said: “The more networks offering 5G services in Cardiff, the better for businesses and the consumer. O2 will now join EE and Vodafone in Cardiff and rumours of Three joining them before the end of this year, the city is on track to be one of only three cities in the UK to have all four networks operating 5G by the end of 2019.
“The launch of 5G has forced the marketplace to diversify the data plans on offer. Businesses are now unshackled from costly data plans that were previously restricting their innovation and flexible working. All major networks are now offering unlimited data plans following their 5G launches. There’s always been an opportunity for businesses to use mobile networks instead of traditional broadband lines, but the risk of exceeding data limits and incurring extra costs has made it a less attractive option.
“These new plans could help accelerate the number of businesses in Cardiff exploiting the benefits of 5G’s increased speed and capabilities.”