O2 has switched on its next-generation 5G+ Standalone network across Surrey, extending coverage to dozens of towns and villages as part of a broader UK rollout. The move affects 33 large towns, 48 smaller towns, and nearly 200 rural communities. The upgrade is part of a £700 million investment plan aimed at improving mobile reliability, capacity, and coverage. It brings enhanced connectivity to both residential users and businesses in a region with strong commuter and economic activity.
Expanded Coverage Targets Connectivity Gaps Across Urban and Rural Areas
More than 1.2 million residents across Surrey are now within reach of O2’s 5G+ network, according to information released by the company. The rollout spans 275 locations, including towns such as Guildford, Epsom, Woking, and Redhill, as well as smaller communities and rural villages.
The expansion reflects a focus on both densely populated areas and places that have historically experienced weaker connectivity. According to O2, the new standalone 5G+ infrastructure delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and more consistent performance than earlier versions of 5G that relied partly on 4G systems.
This is particularly relevant in Surrey, where daily commuting places pressure on mobile networks. Busy transport routes and town centers often experience congestion, and improved reliability is expected to support users traveling between home and work. According to the company, the network is designed to maintain stable connections even in high-demand environments.
The rollout also aligns with broader efforts to address connectivity gaps in rural areas. O2 has introduced satellite connectivity for locations without traditional signal coverage, allowing smartphones to connect directly to satellites in remote settings. This addition is intended to complement terrestrial network improvements rather than replace them.
Investment Plan Underpins Broader Network Modernization
The Surrey deployment forms part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, backed by a £700 million investment. According to the company, the program includes upgrades to 4G and 5G infrastructure, deployment of new spectrum, and the installation of additional masts and small cells across the UK.
O2 states that its 5G+ network is currently the largest standalone 5G network in the country. Unlike earlier non-standalone 5G, which depended on existing 4G cores, this system operates independently, enabling more consistent performance and improved reliability.
Access to the upgraded network is available at no additional cost for customers with compatible devices and SIM configurations. Some users may need to switch to eSIM technology or update their SIM cards to connect to the service, according to details published on O2’s platform.
The company links the rollout to increasing demand for mobile data and the need to support both consumer and business use cases. Surrey’s mix of corporate offices, research activity, and residential commuting patterns makes it a relevant testing ground for these upgrades.
Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said the network activation is intended to “provide an upgrade for local people and businesses and create new opportunities,” according to a company statement. He added that ongoing investment is focused on improving reliability and preparing the network for future developments. The Surrey rollout represents one phase of a broader national effort, with further upgrades planned through 2026 as part of the same investment program.
