Virgin Media O2 has deployed the UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in a move designed to improve mobile connectivity across dense urban areas.
Installed in central Birmingham, the new small cells target some of the city’s busiest streets and public spaces. Early results indicate noticeable improvements in mobile internet performance for users in those locations.
Initial performance testing has recorded peak speeds of up to 300 Mbps, helped by the use of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. The rollout was carried out in partnership with Ontix and Alpha Wireless.
Unlike traditional, conspicuous mast installations, these small cells have been carefully integrated into existing street furniture to reduce visual impact. The focus of the installation is Birmingham city centre, including areas known for heavy footfall such as the business district and nightlife hotspots.
Virgin Media O2 already operates the country’s largest small cell network, and this project represents the first deployment of 5G standalone technology on small cells in the UK. 5G standalone enables the full capabilities of 5G, including lower latency and advanced network features, which can improve experiences for both consumers and businesses.
Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2, said that small cells play an important role in extending reliable mobile coverage and enhancing service quality in the busiest parts of towns and cities.
This advance builds on Virgin Media O2’s wider rollout of its standalone 5G network announced earlier this year. The operator has extended its standalone offering to customers at no extra cost and now covers more than 300 towns and cities across the UK.
Chris Hudson, West Midlands 5G Connectivity Director, welcomed the investment in Birmingham, highlighting the benefits of faster, more dependable connectivity for residents, visitors and local businesses. He noted that locations such as Broad Street and Fleet Street—among the city’s busiest—will particularly benefit from the discreet new masts.
The Birmingham small-cell deployment is part of an ambitious infrastructure upgrade programme by Virgin Media O2, supported by a reported daily investment of £2 million to future-proof its mobile network. This spend comes as the operator reported a 26% year-on-year increase in mobile data usage among O2 customers in 2023, underscoring growing demand.
Industry analysis published last year indicated that 5G standalone rollouts were progressing more slowly than expected. Virgin Media O2’s small-cell initiative in Birmingham may signal renewed momentum for standalone 5G deployments in the UK.
(Photo by Tom W)
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