• O2 launches 5G on its revolutionary Custom Plans, with unlimited data, and no 5G premium 

• Network rollout begins across the UK today in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds, reaching a total of 20 towns and cities in 2019  

• Exclusive partnership with MelodyVR and Oculus from Facebook gives music fans intimate access to gigs and musicians through cutting edge Virtual Reality 

• Business partnerships with ITN, Samsung and Northumbrian Water Group demonstrate real-world 5G use cases and their potential to boost the British economy 

17 October 2019: O2 today launches its 5G network with a range of new tariffs, including an unlimited data option, at the same price as its 4G equivalents. From today, customers can access 5G through O2’s revolutionary custom plans, giving them the flexibility to take advantage of 5G on their terms. O2 has also released an exclusive partnership tariff with Oculus from Facebook and MelodyVR, the destination for music in virtual reality, giving customers exclusive VR music experiences.  

O2’s 5G network is launching in six locations across the UK: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds, improvingcapacity and reliability in key places. The network will initially switch on where it’s needed most, including busy footfall areas around London Waterloo and Kings Cross; Haymarket in Edinburgh; Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds; and Belfast South city centre; or in busy match-day hotspots around Twickenham or the Emirates Stadium. The network will be live in a total of 20 towns and cities by the end of the year, and 50 by summer 2020. 

Mark Evans, CEO, Telefónica UK, said: “Today is a significant moment for our customers and our business as we switch on the O2 5G network. We’re launching with a range of tariffs that make it easy and fair for customers to access 5G, with flexible plans that cost no more than 4G. We’re also switching on 5G in important parts of towns and cities first, places where it will benefit customers and businesses most. 

 “I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society. No one in the country has all the answers today, but I’m excited about getting it into the hands of our customers and working with leading partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”  

Matt Warman, Digital Minister, said: “We want the UK to be a global leader in 5G and for the majority of the population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027. This investment by O2 is a great step forward in rolling out the technology across our home nations, providing world-class infrastructure to help us grow our economy and compete strongly.” 

Customer-led 5G tariffs

From today, customers will be able to select an O2 5G tariff that suits them, including an Unlimited data option. O2’s industry-leading Custom Plans allow customers to move from a Refresh tariff onto 5G at any time they choose.  

Flexible plans and unlimited data

Our 5G custom plans give customers control and freedom on the contract term, data allowance and upfront cost for their 5G ready handset. Customers can choose how much they want to pay upfront and how to spread the remaining cost between 3 and 36 months, as well as having the option to flex their 5G data allowance up or down every month to suit their needs. This gives customer the flexibility to be part of the 5th Generation on their terms.

Exclusive partnership for music lovers

Offering a completely new kind of live music experience, access to MelodyVR will transport music lovers from their living rooms to live events around the world. From epic arena shows with global superstars at The O2, to intimate studio performances by breakout artists; fans will be right at the heart of the action. Tariffs come with 12 months subscription to MelodyVR and an Oculus Go virtual reality headset.