O2 has switched on its 5G standalone (5GSA) network in Manchester and its surrounding towns as part of its UK-wide rollout, which is now live in over 500 locations.

The telecommunications company said over 589,000 residents across the city of Manchester will be able to benefit from the rollout, which is designed to deliver faster, more reliable mobile coverage and stronger signal in a wider range of areas.

Unlike earlier versions of 5G, which relied on existing 4G technology, O2 said the 5GSA service is built entirely on new infrastructure.

O2 added that the technology will help prepare Greater Manchester for future digital innovation.

As Manchester has a strong tourism industry, holds major sporting and cultural events, and has a growing digital sector, O2 said that the city has high demand for fast and reliable mobile connectivity.

It added that dependable coverage is essential to help meet demand along transport routes and in the city centre during peak moments including daily commutes, matchdays and live music events.

The rollout builds on Virgin Media O2’s ongoing investment in connectivity across Greater Manchester, including opening of its new North West HQ in the city centre.

The company said that recent upgrades to 4G and 5G mobile services, delivered across 2025, at 65 locations are improving coverage for more than 14,000 postcodes across Manchester.

“Our new 5G Standalone network is now live in Manchester and surrounding towns, providing an impressive upgrade for local people and businesses and creating new opportunities in and around the city,” said professor Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2. “We are investing every single day to improve our mobile network and provide a more reliable experience for our customers, future-proofing our connectivity and paving the way for exciting innovations that lie ahead.”

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