Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today announced that they’ll invest the equivalent to approximately £700m this year into their ongoing Mobile Transformation Plan (MTP). This is aimed at enhancing network coverage and performance via new masts, small cells, 4G and 5G upgrades, additional spectrum deployment and increased automation via AI.
The programme is primarily focused on expanding 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) coverage to historic ‘not-spots’ in rural and coastal areas, as well as a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and new solutions to “address persistent network pain points” (e.g. along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas – many of these will adopt Distributed Antenna Systems [DAS]).
The operator said they would also be harnessing more of their fixed fibre network in order to connect UK mobile sites. This will no doubt also benefit from their new Converged Interconnect Network (CIN) that brings together its fixed line (FTTP, DOCSIS) and mobile networks (4G, 5G etc.) in a way that will make them more efficient, resilient, scalable and flexible (here).
Finally, in hard-to-reach locations, O2 said they intended to adopt more satellite technology to connect their towers as a cost-effective way of tackling remote signal not-spots. For example, we’ve already seen them using Starlink’s LEO constellation to do some of these (here).
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer of VMO2, said:
“Virgin Media O2 is committed to providing our customers with a reliable connectivity experience wherever they are. Our Mobile Transformation Plan combines the necessary financial investment with the latest technological innovation to make this a reality.”
We’re not just upgrading infrastructure; we’re creating a platform for future innovation. This programme ensures our customers will continue to benefit from superior reliability as new technologies and demands emerge.”
The announcement itself sounds positive, and it is, although it’s also worth remembering that a lot of this work is effectively routine for a modern mobile operator. Such networks are never static and require constant upgrades and maintenance in order to keep pace with rising demands.
The programme forms part of Virgin Media and O2’s wider combined £2bn investment this year into its fixed broadband and mobile network.