Virgin Media O2 will roll out mmWave tech that allows it to transmit a record-breaking 4Gbps to a single device - and it will come to the busiest places in the UK

Date:
Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:28:00 +0000

Description:
Virgin Media O2 acquires high-frequency mmWave spectrum to deliver 4Gbps speeds in dense UK locations.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Virgin Media O2 trial of mmWave spectrum achieves record 4Gbps single-device speed High-frequency spectrum enhances mobile performance in dense urban and commercial locations Over 2,000 small cells support high-speed 5G coverage in crowded areas

Virgin Media O2 has confirmed the acquisition of new millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum following Ofcoms latest auction, marking a 13 million investment to expand its high-capacity 5G coverage.

The operator intends to deploy the technology in the UKs busiest urban and commercial zones, focusing on airports, train stations, arenas, and major
city centers where network demand peaks.

Virgin Media O2s purchase secures roughly a third of the total available spectrum, allowing the company to manage heavy mobile traffic as data demands continue to rise. Expanding high-speed 5G coverage

The new spectrum, comprising 800MHz in the 26GHz band and 1,000MHz in the 40GHz band, will play a key role in improving capacity and reliability in high-density environments.

Ofcom says these frequencies were assigned across 68 urban regions with the highest mobile data usage, including London, Cardiff, Belfast, and Glasgow.

The investment builds on Virgin Media O2s existing 5G Standalone footprint, the largest of its kind in the UK, and forms part of its 700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for 2025.

The operator has stated that the new high-frequency airwaves will strengthen its mobile infrastructure, and it will also support emerging data-heavy applications that require both speed and low latency.

This new investmentpairs perfectly with our strategy to transform our mobile network and give our customers a trustworthy and reliable mobile connectivity experience wherever they are, said Lutz Schler, CEO of Virgin Media O2.

Before the acquisition, Virgin Media O2 conducted a live test of mmWave technology under a trial license.

During the trial, the company recorded a peak speed of 4Gbps to a single device, a record for its network.

Although only a limited number of compatible devices currently exist in the
UK market, Virgin Media O2 expects wider hardware adoption to align with its rollout timeline.

The companys extensive deployment of over 2,000 small cells is also expected to complement mmWave coverage.

These compact installations, typically mounted on lampposts and buildings, enable dense, high-capacity 5G networks in crowded areas where traditional base stations struggle to maintain performance.

Virgin Media O2s approach appears practical rather than headline-driven, as mmWave technology offers exceptional speed but operates over shorter ranges, making wide-scale coverage more complex and costly.

Its use will likely remain focused on dense urban zones and critical
transport hubs.

By combining new spectrum with existing infrastructure, including the
recently launched Giga Site in Paddington capable of delivering over 10Gbps throughput, the company is aiming for incremental, focused improvements
rather than broad nationwide upgrades.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/virgin-media-o2-will-roll-out-mmwave-te ch-that-allows-it-to-transmit-a-record-breaking-4gbps-to-a-single-device-and-i t-will-come-to-the-busiest-places-in-the-uk


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