Virgin Media O2's 5G Achievement: Record Speeds and Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Technology

Virgin Media O2 has achieved a significant milestone in 5G technology, recording a record speed of 4 Gigabits per second (Gbps) on a single device using millimeter wave (mmWave) technology. This important development follows the company's investment of £13 million in recent Ofcom auctions, where it acquired high-capacity 5G spectrum, enhancing its future capabilities.

Deployment Strategy and Target Areas

Virgin Media O2 intends to deploy its 5G millimeter wave technology in the UK's busiest urban and commercial areas, including airports, train stations, arenas, and major city centers that experience peak network demand. The company has secured approximately one-third of the total available spectrum, which will enable it to manage dense data traffic as demand continues to grow.

Investment Plan and Network Development

This new spectrum, comprising 800 MHz in the 26 GHz band and 1000 MHz in the 40 GHz band, is expected to play a key role in improving network capacity and reliability in high-density environments. Ofcom confirms that these frequencies have been allocated across 68 urban areas with the highest mobile data usage, including London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Glasgow.

This investment is part of Virgin Media O2's £700 million plan to transform its mobile network by 2025, building upon its current footprint of standalone 5G, the largest of its kind in the UK. The company indicated that the new high-frequency airwaves will strengthen its mobile infrastructure and also support emerging applications that require high-speed data and low latency.

Initial Tests and Device Compatibility

Prior to the acquisition, Virgin Media O2 conducted a live trial of mmWave technology under a test license, where the company recorded a peak speed of 4 Gigabits per second (Gbps) on a single device, a record for its network. Although the number of compatible devices is currently limited in the UK market, Virgin Media O2 anticipates broader device adoption in conjunction with its rollout schedule.

The Role of Small Cells in Coverage

The company's extensive deployment of over 2,000 small cells is also expected to complement mmWave coverage. These compact installations, typically mounted on lamp posts and buildings, enable dense, high-capacity 5G networks in congested areas where traditional macro cell base stations struggle to maintain performance.

Practical Approach to mmWave Deployment

Virgin Media O2's approach appears to be more practical than headline-driven, as mmWave technology offers exceptional speeds but operates over shorter ranges, making widespread coverage more complex and costly. Its use is likely to remain focused on dense urban areas and key transport hubs.

Integrating Infrastructure for Focused Enhancements

By combining the new spectrum with existing infrastructure, including the recently launched "Gigabit site" in Paddington capable of delivering throughput exceeding 10 Gigabits per second, the company aims to achieve incremental and focused improvements rather than widespread, nationwide upgrades.