Virgin Media O2 brings standalone 5G to Essex

O2 has now switched on its 5GSA (standalone) network in Essex and is available in around 500 locations serving the county which has a population of around 1.5 million people.

For a few years people will have been seeing the 5G symbol on their mobile, but often this was reliant on the underlying 4G network for some services. The newer 5G Standalone network is not reliant on any other mobile standard and thus should unleash the full 5G capabilities rather than feeling just like the mobile service you’ve used for years.

The towns where O2 5G standalone is available across Essex is Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Canvey Island, Chadwell St Mary, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Frinton-on-Sea, Grays, Halstead, Harlow, Loughton, Maldon, Rayleigh, Rochford, Saffron Walden, Shenfield, South Benfleet, South Ockendon, Southend-on-Sea, South Woodham Ferrers, Thundersley, Waltham Abbey, Waltham Cross, Wickford, and Witham.

The coverage in these named towns is said to be 90% outdoor coverage.

“As part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, we are investing £2m every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers. By expanding our next-generation 5G Standalone network to Essex we are upgrading services for local people and are excited about the opportunities the new network will bring.“

Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, O2

“Whether it’s staying in touch with loved ones, accessing public services, or powering the local economy, reliable connectivity is absolutely essential to modern life. The rollout of O2’s next-generation 5G network in Essex is a significant step forward in enabling our residents and businesses to thrive in today’s digital world. This investment will help drive economic growth and create new opportunities for communities across Greater Essex.“

Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Essex County Council

While there is no extra cost for O2 customers to access the new 5G network you will need a handset that supports 5G. The price rises announced at other times for O2 customers are partly used to fund the network improvements among other things – “We understand price rises are never ideal. Each year, we invest an average of £2 million per day in our network to keep coverage strong, service reliable and technology up to date – so you can enjoy better connections, faster speeds and all the perks you love, from roaming to Priority.“