O2 has officially announced that numerous users are receiving a complimentary rapid upgrade. This enhancement is introducing faster 5G+ services to customers throughout the UK, offering improved mobile coverage and significantly quicker downloads. O2 assures users of a 50% performance increase compared to the older 4G technology.

Apart from speed and reliability improvements, the upgrade is also expected to prolong battery life by reducing power consumption, as devices no longer need to connect to both 4G and 5G networks simultaneously. This contrasts with previous standard 5G, which relied on 4G support for operation.

The upgrade is currently being rolled out for users with 5G+ compatible devices and SIM cards, with over 700 towns and cities already activated.

Christian Hindennach, the Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, elaborated on the upgrade, stating, “Our 5G+ service is now accessible to millions of customers nationwide, and notably, it is available to all O2 users across all Plans – a unique offering compared to other networks. This enhancement boosts performance in high-traffic areas, such as major venues, benefiting both residents and visitors. It demonstrates Virgin Media O2’s dedication to enhancing network services and providing a more dependable user experience. We are investing £2 million daily to help customers prepare for upcoming mobile innovations.”

To check local availability, users can visit O2’s postcode checker. Some popular devices compatible with 5G+ technology include the iPhone 15, 16 (including 16e), and 17 ranges, as well as the Google Pixel 9 (including Fold) and 10 series.

5G+ refers to an upgraded version of 5G networks that utilizes advanced technologies like higher-frequency spectrum, improved antennas, and network optimization to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity.