O2 is preparing for the launch of its 5G network by improving its coverage in large indoor spaces, such as shopping malls and sports stadiums. The operator plans to launch 5G later this year in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London before expanding to other parts of the country by 2020. Over the past 18 months, the Telefónica operator has taken a number of steps to facilitate the launch. Like its competitors, it secured the 3,4GHz spectrum at the Ofcom auction last year. In early 2019, it extended its network infrastructure sharing agreement with Vodafone to cover 5G.
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O2 5G
However, 5G networks will require many new sites due to the small spectrum. This has made micro-infrastructures, such as small cells, necessary for dense urban areas and indoor sites. The partnership between O2 and the wireless infrastructure group will improve coverage in a number of public spaces, including Bluewater Mall in Kent, Liverpool's Anfield stadium and Lord's Cricket Ground. "As we move towards 5G, we also continue to focus on the capacity of our existing network. We strive to provide a great networking experience for all our customers, including some of the busiest places in the UK, where demand for the network is at its peak," said Brendan O'Reilly, O2 Technical Director. "Our multi-million pound investment with our WIG partners should provide O2 customers with better connectivity in the places they like to visit." The announcement coincided with the announcement of a 5,3% increase in O2's first-quarter revenue of £1.475m, thanks to the continued success of the operator's tailored programmes. There are now 32.7 million users on the network, a figure that includes MVNO connections. O2 has 25.1 million subscribers, or an additional 13,000 users in the last three months, with a churn rate of 0.9%. "This is another good set of results building on our 2018 momentum. We have generated additional revenue and customer growth through our award-winning network and unprecedented market loyalty," said Mark. Evans, CEO of O2. "2019 is an exciting year for O2. As well as advancing our 5G plans, we are working to establish an industry-led shared rural network to benefit UK consumers and businesses. This demonstrates our commitment to investing for the future through mobile connectivity, one of the UK's most powerful opportunities to strengthen the economy and improve British lives."