Virgin Media O2 installs UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in Birmingham

Virgin Media O2 has successfully installed the UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in central Birmingham, boosting mobile connectivity for customers in some of the city’s busiest areas.

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, whether they’re browsing, streaming, or working on the go.

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 boasts the largest deployment of small cells of any operator, with a large number live across the country.

The latest deployment in the centre of Birmingham – an area full of businesses and a thriving nighttime economy – is the first small cell deployment in the UK to utilise 5G standalone technology.

Virgin Media O2 launched its 5G standalone network earlier this year, making the completely new network available to customers at no extra cost. It has since dramatically expanded its 5G standalone network, which is now live in more than 300 towns and cities across the UK.

5G standalone offers higher bandwidth and lower latency connections than 4G and 5G non standalone, meaning O2 customers can experience a pure 5G network and benefit from more reliable connectivity.

These cells have been delivered in partnership with Ontix and Alpha Wireless, using MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology for the first time. This is already bringing real benefits to customers in the area, with 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, WM5G 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 single day to future-proof its mobile network and meet the increasing demands of customers for seamless connectivity.

This comes against a backdrop of rising demand, with the amount of mobile data consumed by O2 customers increasing 26% in 2023.
BCS Bureau