O2’s 5G network could soon get a big boost, as the company has acquired 78.8MHz of spectrum from Vodafone – so in other words O2 now has more spectrum than it did before, and Vodafone has less.
Specifically, O2 has acquired 20MHz of 1400MHz spectrum, 18.8MHz of 2100MHz spectrum, 20MHz of 2600MHz spectrum, and 20MHz of 3400MHz spectrum.
The 3400MHz band in particular is one that the UK’s networks are heavily using for 5G, but those other bands could also potentially boost O2’s 5G network – or be used to improve its 4G performance.
Giving O2 a much-needed boost
O2 acquired this spectrum at a cost of £343 million, as part of a deal designed to ensure the UK’s mobile networks still have somewhat even spectrum holdings now the merger of Three and Vodafone has gone through.
So now that this merger has been completed, and Three and Vodafone can combine their spectrum, O2 has been able to buy some off Vodafone to balance things out.
This could prove hugely beneficial to O2, since the network has struggled a bit with 5G performance so far, with most third-party tests suggesting it trails Three, Vodafone, and EE for 5G speeds.
So rolling out this additional spectrum may well improve O2’s 5G speeds, and could also boost the network’s 5G coverage.
Lutz Schüler, CEO of VMO2, said: “This acquisition of spectrum will not only create greater balance in holdings across the UK’s mobile networks, but for Virgin Media O2 it will allow us to boost coverage and further improve our network quality, building on the significant investment we are already making in our mobile network. We’re committed to giving our customers a reliable mobile experience across the country and this increase in spectrum will help us deliver on that.”
Sadly, we don’t know exactly when this rollout will happen, just that it will start sometime this year.
But hopefully this will make a real difference to O2’s customers – and sooner rather than later.
