Virgin Media O2 users who are fed up with dire network speeds and a weak signal may soon find things get a lot better when away from their fixed-line broadband. The UK provider has just confirmed that it is investing around £700 million in a bid to improve connectivity for its millions of users. That should mean fewer dead-spots and wider access to better 4G and 5G data speeds.
O2 says that the major investment is being rolled out in a bid to ensure a consistent and reliable service across the UK in response to network demand reaching an all-time high.
The company, which joined forces with Virgin Media back in 2021, has confirmed that the investment will be ploughed into adding more phone masts along with so-called small cells, which are aimed at boosting the local 5G signal.
Along with improving towns and cities, the firm also says it is planning to target railways, along major roads, stadiums, city centres and historic ‘not-spots’ where a signal can be hard to find.
By bringing its mobile and fixed networks closer together and using its own fibre network to connect mobile sites, the operator reckons it will also improve the resilience and speed at which it can deploy new mobile infrastructure.
Virgin Media O2 has also committed to using satellite technology to connect its towers. This is aimed at offering a cost-effective way to tackle remote signal weak spots.
For some, this boost won’t come soon enough. A recent report from network speed testing firm Rootmetrics, put Virgin Media O2 at the bottom of the list when it came to download times.
Whilst EE managed average speeds of around 70Mbps, UK-wide tests revealed O2 could only muster 20Mbps. Three and Vodafone both recorded speeds of around 40Mbps.
Hopefully, this O2 boost will mean users finally get the speeds they need and, more importantly, pay for.
Speaking about the changes, Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer, Virgin Media O2 said “Virgin Media O2 is committed to providing our customers with a reliable connectivity experience wherever they are. Our Mobile Transformation Plan combines the necessary financial investment with the latest technological innovation to make this a reality.”
“We’re not just upgrading infrastructure; we’re creating a platform for future innovation. This programme ensures our customers will continue to benefit from superior reliability as new technologies and demands emerge.”