O2 Launches Complimentary 5G+ Network Upgrade for Pay Monthly Subscribers
Mobile network provider O2 has announced it is rolling out a complimentary upgrade to its 5G+ network for all Pay Monthly customers, effective immediately. This enhancement, which leverages 5G standalone technology, promises faster speeds and more reliable connections, but subscribers will need both a compatible handset and a suitable SIM card to access the benefits.
What is 5G+ and How Does It Work?
5G+, marketed by O2 as its superior tier of 5G connectivity, operates independently from legacy 4G infrastructure. This standalone technology is designed to deliver swifter and more dependable connections, with O2 claiming speeds that are around 50 percent faster than 4G. Additionally, the network suggests that users might experience enhanced battery performance, as devices no longer need to juggle connections between 4G and 5G networks simultaneously.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, stated, "Our 5G+ service is now available to millions of customers across the UK, and uniquely, it's available to everyone on O2 across all Plans - unlike other networks." He added that the upgrade improves performance in busy areas, such as major venues hosting large crowds, benefiting both residents and visitors.
Eligibility Requirements for Accessing 5G+
To take advantage of this free upgrade, customers must meet specific criteria:
- Compatible Handset: Devices must support 5G+ technology. Eligible models include every iPhone from the iPhone 15 (released in 2024) onwards, most Samsung Galaxy handsets dating back to 2021, and Google Pixel devices from the past two years.
- Appropriate SIM Card: A newer R15 SIM card, either physical (purchased from 2024 onwards) or an eSIM, is required. Older SIM cards issued before 2024 are not designed to support 5G+ capabilities.
An O2 spokesperson explained to Express.co.uk, "To access newer capabilities like 5G+, customers need a newer R15 SIM, which includes updated features that enable the network and device to use 5G Standalone services." Customers can upgrade to a compatible SIM free of charge through O2's website if needed.
Coverage and Competitive Landscape
O2 reports that 5G+ is now live in over 700 towns and cities across the UK, with all Pay Monthly customers receiving the upgrade without any additional charges to their current tariffs. This move contrasts with competitor EE, which offers 5G standalone technology exclusively to subscribers on specific premium pay monthly packages.
Customers can check their location's 5G+ coverage using an online checker tool provided by O2. The network emphasizes that this rollout is part of its commitment to enhancing connectivity and delivering a more reliable experience nationwide.
The Role of eSIM Technology
eSIM technology, which allows mobile phones to register virtual SIMs without a physical card, is becoming increasingly relevant. O2's push for eSIMs not only facilitates access to innovations like 5G+ but may also pave the way for smartphones to eventually eliminate physical SIM cards altogether. For instance, the iPhone Air launched in September 2025 is an eSIM-only device in the UK, following a trend seen in the US where every iPhone now operates exclusively on eSIM.
While eSIMs offer the advantage of electronic transfer between devices, they do sacrifice the convenience of easily swapping a physical SIM card when changing handsets. This shift reflects broader industry trends toward digital integration and advanced mobile capabilities.
