Discover 5G Technology | The Latest Network Generation | O2
Get up to speed with powerful 5G
More bars for your buck
Want buffer-free streaming and downloads without delay? Our 5G network covers thousands of towns and cities across the UK and over 50% of the population. Use our coverage checker to see if 5G has arrived in your area.
Faff-free 5G
From movies and music, to emails, files and apps – transform your everyday with speedy downloads and uploads without the boring wait times. Whether you’re staying in touch with your nearest and dearest or gaming with the gang – enjoy enhanced-quality video, calls and streaming for a more seamless connected life.
5G Standalone – the next generation
Both our existing 5G and brand-new 5G Standalone services provide an awesome experience. The difference between them? Our advanced 5G Standalone network can support sophisticated new technology in the near future. From augmented reality gaming and state-of-the-art robotics to remote healthcare and more.
Why 5G on O2
Enjoy 5G coverage in thousands of towns and cities across the UK – on our fastest network yet
More network capacity means you’ll still be able to get online, even in busy urban hubs or festivals
All our Pay Monthly plans come with 5G – so you won’t have to pay a penny more for it
O2 5G network coverage checker
Find out the 5G network coverage in your chosen area. Our map will show you locations with the best call and mobile data reception, as well as your nearest O2 WiFi hotspots.
Commuting in the capital with 5G
No more worrying about missed calls or buffering podcasts while travelling below ground across the city. If you’re an O2 customer, you can access 4G mobile coverage and 5G’s impressive high-speed mobile connectivity throughout selected stations and some connecting tunnels.
We’re committed to expanding coverage across the entire London Underground network. So, even if your preferred station isn't fully covered yet, you can expect improvements to come soon.
Feeling 5G ready?
5G FAQs
- What’s the difference between 4G and 5G?
5G is the next generation of mobile network. It gives you faster speeds and lower latency than 4G, meaning you’ll have a smoother connection and less delay – perfect for real-time interaction. You can enjoy near-instant access to the things you love and a more reliable connection even at the busiest times.
- Where can I use 5G?
Our 5G network covers thousands of towns and cities across the UK and over 50% of the population. To see if 5G has arrived in your area, visit our coverage checker.
- How fast is 5G?
On average, our 5G is 35% faster than 4G. In some areas, speed can reach over 200mbps.
- How do I get set up with 5G?
All our Pay Monthly plans include 5G, so all you’ll need is a 5G-ready phone. Visit our coverage checker to see if your area is good to go.
Need an upgrade? Explore our latest offers or find out how you can switch to a new phone when it suits you with O2 Switch Up.
- Can I get 5G overseas?
Yes. With roaming switched on, you’ll be able to use 5G worldwide where coverage exists. With O2 Pay Monthly plans you can enjoy EU roaming up to 25GB, at no extra cost. Find out more about O2 roaming.
- Will 5G impact my health?
We’re excited about the benefits that our 5G network will bring for customers and businesses, but we understand there are some questions being asked about the impact on our health.
The WHO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommend that governments adopt the radio-frequency exposure limits developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
In the UK, the Government has adopted these exposure limits developed by ICNIRP and mobile network operators are required to operate within these guidelines.
If you want to know more you can visit the World Health Organization or Mobile UK.
5G Standalone
- What’s 5G Standalone?
5G comes in two different types:
- 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) – this is our current 5G service built on top of our 4G network
- 5G Standalone (SA) – a new impressive separate network providing enhanced reliability and more advanced features over time
Right now, the experience you have on 5G will be very similar on both Non-Standalone and Standalone.
- Where is 5G Standalone available?
If you’re in any of the following areas you’ll be the first to access this amazing major upgrade. Enjoy greater 5G coverage, higher bandwidth (shorter download times) and improved latency (smoother streaming and gaming).
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Sheffield
- Slough
- York
- Cardiff
- Aberdeen
- Dundee
- Hull
- Wakefield
- Nottingham
- Greater Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Lincoln
- Belfast
- How do I get 5G Standalone?
You’ll just need a few things to get started:
- An O2 5G R15 SIM
- A device that's compatible with 5G Standalone, updated with the latest software
- To be within range of 5G Standalone coverage
To get the best connectivity wherever you are, you can seamlessly switch between 4G, 5G or 5G Standalone.
Compatible 5G Standalone devices:- Netgear Nighthawk M6 Mobile Router
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung A25
- Samsung S24
- Samsung S24 Plus
- Samsung S24 Ultra
- Samsung A15 5G
- Sony Xperia 5 V
- Sony Xperia 1 V
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
More to come soon.