O2 has now joined EE and Vodafone in announcing when it will switch on its next-generation 5G mobile signal.
This huge upgrade, which will roll out across Britain in the coming years, will offer users the ability to download files around four times faster than current 4G technology.
The UK network has said that customers in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London will be some of the first experience this faster speeds later this year.
This will be followed by other areas of the UK next year.
Mark Evans, CEO, Telefónica UK, explained at the release of O2’s full-year 2018 results that, while the company prepares for 5G rollout in 2019, it will work to build a 5G Economy in coalition with British industry, making the case for 5G in the UK and exploring the possibilities of the latest mobile standard.
Speaking about 5G Evans said: “5G is a promise of so much more – for consumers, business, industry and public services.
“O2 is working in partnership with British industry, encouraging businesses, big and small, to engage with the possibilities of 5G technology through both our testbed programme and launch deployment.
“O2’s 5G network will arrive this year and we want the next-generation of mobile services to launch with a bang. 5G will benefit customers from launch, with better speeds and improved customer experience.
“Following the demand from our FTSE 100 trials, we are extending our testbed opportunities so that businesses of all sizes can work us to build the 5G Economy.
“Mobile is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of British people and 5G is a significant milestone for this nation.”
O2’s news comes as EE has already confirmed that 16 cities will get 5G speeds later this year.
The first launches will be the UK’s four capital cities – London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast – plus Birmingham and Manchester.
EE has also announced that it will be working with Samsung to launch the new 5G-ready Galaxy S10 which is expected to arrive in the UK this summer.
Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer division, said: “EE customers enjoy the UK’s best mobile experience today, and as leaders in 5G and converged smart networks we’ll be going even further to keep them connected wherever they go.
“We’ll be launching 5G across 16 UK cities this year and partnering with leading smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung to give our customers the very best experience – providing the fastest and most reliable connection when they need it the most.”
Along with O2 and EE making 5G announcements, Vodafone also recently revealed its first trial at Manchester Airport.
The UK mobile network has just switched on this super fast service at this transport hub with travellers able to give it try by visiting Vodafone’s special 5G ‘blast pod’.
Speaking about the launch Nick Jeffery, CEO, Vodafone UK said: “We all love to catch up on our favourite TV shows, play games or finish off some work when travelling. 5G, with its fast speeds and quick response times, will make that quick and easy, even in busy locations.
We are proud to be the first provider to bring 5G to an airport and will be adding more major travel hotspots to our 5G network throughout the year.”