O2 customers will receive a free 5G speed boost as the company unveils a ‘smart’ upgrade
VIRGIN Media O2 has come up with a new way to accelerate the rollout of 5G in the UK.
One of the issues that network providers say is hindering their ability to quickly expand 5G is construction permitting.
This involves installing radio equipment, connecting locations to the electricity network and then establishing fiber optic connections to transport mobile traffic to the internet.
But Virgin Media O2 has found a clever way around all this so it can roll out 5G to more areas faster.
It’s also cheaper, which could stop future price increases for customers after recent bill increases were announced.
Instead, the company has started installing mini smart poles next to their existing fiber broadband cabinets.
These can be installed in less than a day and feature small cell technology that can boost mobile coverage in busy areas, Virgin Media O2 claims.
And electricity will be supplied by Virgin Media’s fiber optic network instead of a traditional power supply, in a “British first”.
The company already has about 25,000 cabinets on the street, meaning a rapid 5G boost could be in store after the trial.
“As we continue to invest to upgrade and expand our network, we are always looking for new ways to work smarter and deliver more for our customers,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.
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“Groundbreaking tests like this can help expand mobile coverage and bring next-generation services to even more customers.
“The ability to use our existing national fixed network for backhaul and small cell power could be transformative. It could help us save time and money, open new revenue streams, support smart city technology and leverage the benefits of our scaled fully utilize the converged network.”
Free streaming from Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 customers can currently access Apple TV+ for free via the Priority app.
The offer is available to new Apple TV+ customers who have not previously received the offer for free.
Just open the Priority app and search for Apple TV+ to redeem the offer.
How does text-to-switch work?
TEXT-to-switch makes it faster and easier to leave your mobile company by giving you control over how much contact you have with your existing carrier.
This is how it works:
Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 – and keep your mobile number
- Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to start the process
- The existing provider will text back within a minute and send the PAC number, which is valid for 30 days
- The provider’s response should also include information about any early termination fees or pay-as-you-go balances
- The customer then passes on the PAC number to his new provider
- The new provider must ensure that the switch is completed within one working day
Text ‘STAC’ to 75075 – and receive a new mobile number
- Most people want to keep their number when they switch, but one in six does not
- Text ‘STAC’ to 75075 to receive a service termination authorization code
- The rest of the process is the same as above
Text ‘INFO’ to 85075 – and find out more
- If you are unsure whether you will be charged an early termination fee, text “INFO” to 85075
- You will only receive this information