By the end of the year, Telefónica UK connected 13 more cities to its 5G network.
Telefónica UK operates under the O2 brand in the UK and launched its 5G service in October, in the cities of London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Leeds and Slough, followed by 5G hotspots in Leicester and Lisburn in November.
The most recently added are Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Derby and Stoke.
No premium
O2 does not charge consumers a premium to use its 5G network and offers a ‘Limitless’ data tariff, as well as other custom plans, with the aim of enabling customers can use 5G on their terms.
The operator intends to have rolled out 5G to 50 locations by summer 2020.
O2 stressed that 4G remains ‘the backbone’ of its network, with 5G supplementing rather than replacing, that network on which it says it spends more than £2 million a day.
O2’s coverage checker provides up-to-date information.
Derek McManus, COO at Telefónica UK, said: “I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society.
“We’re excited about getting it into the hands of our customers across the UK, and continuing to work with our partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”