- O2’s 5G standalone network now covers major towns in Norfolk, promising at least 90% outdoor coverage.
- The expansion forms part of a £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan to improve 4G, 5G, and network capacity nationwide.
What happened: 5G standalone rollout expands coverage and capacity across norfolk
O2 has activated its 5G standalone (SA) network in Norfolk, extending coverage to towns including Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn and Thetford. The region, home to around 940,000 people, will now benefit from faster mobile speeds, stronger signals and more reliable connections in public spaces, along transport routes and at busy venues.
The rollout is part of VMO2’s broader Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700 million this year into upgrading its 4G and 5G networks. As part of the programme, O2 is deploying dedicated small cells in dense urban areas to increase capacity and improve service along motorways, railway lines, airports, and in stadiums and arenas.
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “We are investing £2 million every day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers. By expanding our 5G SA network to Norfolk we are upgrading services for local people and preparing the region for future technology innovations.”
O2’s 5G SA network is now live at more than 500 locations in the UK, offering enhanced connectivity at no extra cost to customers with compatible devices.
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Why it’s important
The new network positions Norfolk to take advantage of emerging technologies such as smart transport, connected healthcare and advanced manufacturing. 5G SA enables low-latency communication, network slicing and more efficient mobile resource allocation, which are key for both consumer applications and industrial use cases.
According to a recent Ericsson report, the number of operators offering 5G SA networks has risen globally to more than 90, with 33 mobile operators providing differentiated connectivity services through network slicing. This trend underlines the growing demand for flexible and high-performance mobile networks worldwide.
By extending 5G SA coverage to Norfolk, O2 not only enhances daily mobile experiences but also establishes the foundation for next-generation digital services, strengthening the UK’s position in the global 5G market.
