Super fast 5G speeds are getting one step closer with O2 announcing plans to begin testing this new technology.
The mobile operator has just revealed that it will start trials of 5G at The O2 arena in North Greenwich later this year.
5G is the next generation of mobile signal that looks set to transform the way consumers use their smartphones.
With a much larger bandwidth, 5G allows more data to travel across the networks at much faster speeds with the service expected to allow consumers to download a full HD movie in a matter of seconds.
O2 says it will begin the roll-out across select locations at The O2, including the exclusive O2 blueroom and the O2 store at the venue, with plans to extend coverage across by the end of 2020.
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It will initially allow O2 customers to experience ground-breaking technology via a variety of demonstrations.
Speaking about the launch Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The arrival of 5G technology, and the range of unprecedented benefits it will bring, will play a key role in keeping our society and the British economy moving for years to come.
“That’s why we are delighted to announce our plans to launch a 5G test bed at The O2 later this year.
“At O2, we are obsessive about always delivering for our customers, and this test bed is a further example of our pioneering attitude to putting our customers first and and backing the importance of mobile for Britain’s future.”
This latest customer initiative from O2 has been designed to ensure the business is 5G ready and primed to launch a leading next generation network for customers when spectrum and equipment availability allow.
The installation at The O2 will be the first in a number of trials in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that will look at uses for 5G for consumers, businesses and the public sector.
It’s currently unclear when a mass launch of 5G across the UK will begin but companies including Samsung are already testing their 5G technology.
The Korean firm is currently trailing its 5G network in the US and UK with London the first to get the system installed.
And they have already begun sending data across the capital at speeds of around 1Gbps which is over 600 times faster than the UK average.
These test will continue over the coming months but Samsung is hoping that consumers may get the chance to use 5G sooner than you might think.
In fact it could be fully functional for some users as earlier as 2019.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Wonil Roh, Vice President, Next Generation Communications Business Team IT and Mobile Communications, said the entire industry is working fast with Samsung proud of what they have achieved so far.
5G is a very challenging area but Roh states the ultimate aim is to increase speeds, reduce latency and allow more people to connect at any time.