O2 expands 5G network to Glasgow

Mobile operator O2 has expanded its 5G network to another 13 towns and cities across the UK.

The company, which first launched 5G in some UK sites in October, has now expanded its network to cover customers in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Derby and Stoke.

The expansion takes the Spanish-owned firm's network to a total of 20 locations across the UK over the year.

In October, O2 launched the 5G service in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Leeds and Slough, before switching on 5G hotspots in Leicester and Lisburn a month later.

O2 commenced its 5G rollout after rival operators EE, Vodafone and Three started their services earlier in the year.

Derek McManus, chief operating officer of O2 parent company Telefonica UK, said: "We were incredibly proud to switch on our 5G network in October, and it is brilliant to hit our target of 20 towns and cities connected to our next-generation network as we head into 2020.

"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."

The operator said it plans to reach 50 locations across the UK by summer 2020 and is investing more than £2 million a day into expanding its network.

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