Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has unveiled a significant investment plan to bolster its mobile network throughout 2025. The company will channel £700 million into enhancing its 4G and 5G networks, part of its expansive Mobile Transformation Plan. This investment is crucial as mobile data usage continues to surge, more than doubling in the past five years.
This effort is a slice of VMO2’s annual £2 billion expenditure designed for both its fixed and mobile infrastructures. The core focus areas include enhancing transport networks with improved coverage on motorways, railways, and transport hubs. Additionally, the company’s strategy involves deploying small cells to boost urban capacity in bustling city zones.
Rural connectivity is another focal point. VMO2 plans to employ satellite backhaul technology to extend coverage to remote locations. Meanwhile, to address connectivity in high-traffic areas like stadiums, the installation of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) is planned.
Moreover, VMO2 intends to phase out its 3G network, reallocating those resources to augment 4G and 5G capabilities. Artificial Intelligence-driven network management will be integral, aiming to optimize service quality and efficiency. “VMO2 is committed to providing our customers with a reliable connectivity experience wherever they are,” stated Jeanie York, VMO2’s Chief Technology Officer. “Our Mobile Transformation Plan combines the necessary financial investment with the latest technological innovation to make this a reality.”
