O2 UK hits 5G 2020 target

Telefónica UK (O2 UK) achieved its target of reaching 20 5G locations by 2020, despite its comparatively slow start on launching commercial 5G in the country (Telefónicawatch, #138 and passim). Several new cities, including Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle, have been added to O2 UK’s list since the first wave of six locations were unveiled in late‑2019. Mark Evans, the operating business’s Chief Executive, gave the caveat that 5G provision in these cities will be available only “in important parts to towns and cities” to begin with, by which he means limited 5G provision in city centres and major transport hubs. O2 is completing the 5G rollout alongside primary vendors Ericsson and Nokia, after the two won a tender in early‑2019. UK mobile virtual network operator Sky Mobile is piggybacking on its wholesale partner’s 5G rollout too, bundling free 5G connectivity into its VIP loyalty programme for its customers.