- VMO2 plans upgrades at 22 holiday parks but has only completed work at four.
- The operator’s $850 million network upgrade plan aims to boost connectivity, but the timing raises questions.
What happened: VMO2 upgrades late for peak season
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has announced plans to improve mobile network coverage at 22 Haven holiday parks across the UK, targeting an enhancement of both 4G and 5G connectivity. However, with just days before the August bank holiday, the operator’s announcement is coming close to the tail end of the peak summer staycation season, leaving many holidaymakers with limited access to the improved network.
So far, only four of the 22 parks have seen the planned upgrades, and VMO2 has acknowledged that additional upgrades will arrive later in the year—far too late for the bulk of summer visitors. The operator did not offer specific dates for the remaining upgrades, some of which will only be completed in early 2026.
In a statement, the company highlighted that this was part of its broader $850 million mobile network expansion plan for 2025, which includes enhancing coverage in high-demand coastal areas. Despite the timing, the operator pointed to a significant demand for staycations, with over 48% of Brits planning to holiday domestically this year.
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Why it’s important
The timing of VMO2’s network upgrade announcement is a PR misstep, particularly as many consumers have already enjoyed their summer holidays. As a result, O2 risks missing the window to fully capitalise on the opportunity. The company has also faced challenges in competing against rivals, especially EE, which continues to lead in network performance according to RootMetrics’ latest data.
The planned improvements are a positive move towards addressing gaps in the operator’s network, which lags behind its competitors, but this delay highlights the difficulties in catching up with rivals in the crowded UK mobile market. The VMO2-Freshwave partnership, which aims to boost 5G coverage, is part of the broader $850 million investment, but the operator’s ability to rapidly deploy upgrades remains crucial in reclaiming market share.
