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O2 (Virgin Media / VMO2) today becomes the second major UK mobile operator after Vodafone to launch a commercial 5G standalone (SA) network in the UK, delivering faster mobile broadband speeds (including latency) and more. It will come true. Service flexibility. The service was initially launched in some of the 14 cities andnothing extra” will be borne by the customer.
Currently, most of the UK’s existing 5G networks are classified as non-standalone (NSA) and partially rely on older and slower 4G infrastructure. By comparison, the SA network is a pure end-to-end 5G network, with improvements such as ultra-low latency (high speeds), increased energy efficiency, faster upload speeds, network slicing capabilities, and better support for the Internet of Things (IoT). can also be achieved. ) devices, improving reliability and security.
Note: Network slicing allows multiple virtual network slices on the same physical network. Each slice is isolated from other network traffic, providing dedicated performance, and the slice’s capabilities are tailored to the requirements of the use case (online gaming, enhanced mobile broadband, etc.).
O2’s new network will be available to consumers with 5G standalone-capable SIMs and devices (more on that later).at no extra chargeThis means customers can seamlessly switch between 4G, 5G or 5G standalone to experience the best connectivity wherever they are.
Initial launch cities include Manchester, Liverpool, London, Lincoln, Birmingham, Sheffield, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, York, Belfast, Cardiff, Nottingham and Slough. However, O2 has not yet disclosed how much 5G SA coverage it has been able to deploy at each location or what bands it is using for the service.
Jeannie York, CTO of VMO2, said:
“The launch of 5G standalone is the culmination of a multi-year program and a real leap forward in the evolution of mobile networks.Although still in its early stages, the customer-centric rollout will continue throughout 2024, with some consumer will reap immediate benefits such as improved reliability and coverage. This new technology will future-proof our mobile networks for years to come and will open our doors to exciting customer-driven innovations in the future. I’ll clear the way.”
The operator plans to continue rolling out 5G SA technology in more towns and cities across the UK during 2024, but has not yet specified specific coverage targets. However, the government’s recent Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS) set out related ambitions asking mobile operators to ensure:all densely populated area Expected to be covered by “standalone” 5G (5G Plus) by 2030” (here).
One of the challenges with these new mobile technologies is that customers have to keep up with the latest software and R15 SIM Access to this service is said to be currently available on the following devices:
Samsung S24
Samsung S24+
samsung s24 ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23+
samsung galaxy s23 ultra
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 5G
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 5G
samsung galaxy s22
Samsung Galaxy S22+
samsung galaxy s22 ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Sony Xperia 1V
Sony Xperia 5V
samsung galaxy s23
Netgear M6
Samsung A25