As the telecommunications industry gathers in Manchester for the Connected North Conference, Virgin Media O2 continues to drive significant investment in the UK’s Northern regions. Their goal is clear: to foster a more connected and inclusive digital future. Recognizing the importance of connectivity beyond mere infrastructure, a substantial investment exceeding £1 billion has connected over 3.4 million homes and businesses in the past decade.
This investment ensures that nearly ten million homes can access gigabit broadband speeds, 16 times faster than the national average. Their mobile network is also expanding rapidly. Virgin Media O2 has already covered over 75% of the UK with 5G, and last year marked the launch of their next-generation 5G Standalone network in major Northern cities.
An average daily investment of £2 million is part of their Mobile Transformation Plan. This effort focuses on improving connectivity in essential areas, from urban centers to remote regions. Highlights include boosting connectivity in Manchester train stations and Leeds stadiums, ensuring rural areas and “not-spots” in Cumbria and Scotland are not neglected.
A standout initiative is their exploration into agriculture through 5G-enabled Agri-tech. Collaborating with Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley, Virgin Media O2 enabled comprehensive mobile communication across the farm, and installed sensors to monitor soil, livestock, and machinery. These initiatives derive learnings from the River Severn Advanced Wireless Innovation Region. Trials here employ AI cameras and IoT devices to enhance efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental practices.
However, enhancing connectivity alone does not suffice. Tackling digital exclusion is crucial. There remains a significant digital divide, with 2.1 million individuals offline and many households unable to afford services. A report from Deloitte reveals efforts to solve digital poverty could unlock £17 billion in potential, emphasizing the financial and social importance of inclusion.
Virgin Media O2 combats this issue through their Connecting Communities Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to connect a million digitally excluded individuals and equip six million with digital skills and tools. Partnerships, like the National Databank with the Good Things Foundation, provide essential mobile data to those in need. Recent initiatives in Manchester and in collaboration with Connecting Scotland demonstrate their commitment to bridging the digital divide.
In essence, the ongoing investment in Northern connectivity signifies more than the deployment of technology. It symbolizes the commitment to creating a fair and innovative environment, crucial for regional thriving. As the Connected North Conference proceeds, the agenda emphasizes the importance of digital inclusion and equitable access, ensuring technology’s benefits reach diverse communities.
