O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ Standalone network in 33 large towns, 48 smaller towns, and 194 rural villages across England as part of its UK-wide rollout. The upgrade, which covers Surrey extensively, brings faster speeds, better coverage, and lower latency to up to 1.2 million residents at no extra cost.
Major Investment in Mobile Infrastructure
The rollout is part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, aimed at boosting reliability, capacity, and coverage across the UK. Areas such as Dorking, Epsom, Guildford, Haslemere, Redhill, Reigate, Staines, and Weybridge are among those now benefiting from O2’s most advanced mobile network.
What 5G+ Standalone Offers
Unlike earlier versions of 5G that relied on existing 4G technology, O2’s 5G+ service uses new infrastructure to deliver a stronger, more resilient mobile experience. Customers with compatible devices can access the network at no extra cost. O2’s 5G+ network is currently the largest 5G standalone network in the UK.
Additional Upgrades in 2026
These enhancements are part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will deliver another major upgrade in 2026. The investment includes new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, automation, and new spectrum deployment to further improve network performance.
Satellite Connectivity for Rural Areas
Customers across Britain are also benefiting from the recent launch of O2 Satellite, which allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites in remote locations with no traditional phone signal. This service helps tackle long-standing connectivity gaps in rural communities.
Expert Comment
Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “Our new 5G+ network is now live in Surrey, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the county. We are investing every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers, futureproofing our connectivity and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead.”
