Mobile operator O2 has turned on the 5G connection for various towns around the UK, including Cheltenham.
O2 has said that 5G will now be available in 150 towns and it would continue the roll out across the UK. They aim to give coverage to many urban areas.
The views on this rollout are mixed, with some residents expressing the view that it will make little difference to them, while a small number have even complained that there will more hospital admissions because of the signal causing health problems.
Despite this, many remain optimistic, with one resident saying: “great, can’t wait for increased internet speeds.” And another said: “that’s progressive technology. Embrace it like you did when mobiles first came out.”
Derek McManus, the chief operating officer at O2 said: “We are delighted with the progress of our 5G rollout and to be able to offer customers in over 150 locations the benefits of our high-speed network.
“Once again we are facing tough lockdown restrictions and we are focused on ensuring we meet the demand for increased network capacity and reliability to keep everyone connected during this time.
“We’re also proud of leading the charge from an environmental point of view, with 67% of our estate powered by renewable energy as we work with landlords to encourage usage of more renewable sources.”
The mobile operator has also said it would continue to monitor sites such as hospitals and supermarkets to make sure they stayed connected during the pandemic.
Other new locations included within this rollout include Southampton and Doncaster, while O2 has increased its 5G coverage in cities such as Bristol, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester.
Click here for a full map of the O2 signal coverage in the UK.
