Virgin Media O2 has installed 5G standalone (SA) small cells in central Birmingham to improve mobile connectivity for customers in some of the city’s busiest areas.
The company said that performance data, captured shortly after the cells were installed, shows 5G standalone is delivering a better mobile Internet experience, ensuring a smoother service for customers.
Unlike traditional mobile towers, these compact small cells have been discreetly installed on existing street furniture, specifically targeting areas where demand for data is highest. Virgin Media O2 already has a large deployment of small cells that have gone live across the country.
Virgin Media O2 launched its 5G standalone network earlier this year, making it available to customers at no extra cost. It has since expanded its 5G SA network, which is now live in more than 300 towns and cities across the UK.
5G SA offers higher bandwidth and lower latency connections than 4G and 5G non-standalone.
The cells have been delivered in partnership with Ontix and Alpha Wireless, using multiple input multiple output technology for the first time to provide speeds of up to 300Mbps.
Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said, “Small cells are playing a vital part in our mission to bring reliable mobile coverage to all customers and improve services in the busiest areas.“Having already turned on our cutting-edge 5G standalone network in more than 300 towns and cities, available to customers at no extra cost, we’re working hard to ensure all our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”
Chris Hudson, connectivity director, West Midlands 5G, said, “I am delighted to see further investment by Virgin Media O2 in Birmingham with the introduction of new 5G standalone small cells in the city centre. Fast and reliable connectivity in our region is critical for both residents and businesses. Broad Street and Fleet Street are two of the busiest areas in our brilliant city, and these discreet masts will ensure visitors and residents across the West Midlands enjoy a high-quality connectivity experience.”
This deployment is part of Virgin Media O2’s broader network upgrade strategy. The operator is investing £2 million every day to meet the increasing demands of customers for seamless connectivity.