O2’s 5G+ network reaches hundreds of Derbyshire locations
Virgin Media O2 announced on 5 November 2026 that its next‑generation 5G+ service is now active in 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire. The list includes the county’s main hubs – Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Swadlincote – as well as smaller settlements such as Heanor, Buxton and Matlock. O2 says the rollout will benefit about 380,000 residents and businesses, offering faster download speeds, lower latency and more consistent coverage without an additional charge for customers with compatible handsets.
What makes 5G+ different?
Unlike the first wave of 5G that piggy‑backed on existing 4G infrastructure, O2’s 5G+ is built on a standalone (SA) architecture. This means the network runs on its own core, allowing it to deliver the full promise of 5G – higher peak rates, reduced jitter and the ability to support more simultaneous connections. For Android users, this translates into smoother streaming, quicker app launches and better performance for cloud‑based gaming or productivity tools, provided the device supports the required bands (e.g., n78, n79).
"The latest rollout builds on our continued investment in Derbyshire, bringing faster speeds, improved reliability and lower latency to residents and businesses alike," said Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.
Part of a wider £700 m investment programme
The Derbyshire expansion is one chapter of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan slated for 2026. The plan covers a nationwide upgrade of masts, small‑cell sites, spectrum allocation and network automation. In practical terms, O2 is installing new antennae, upgrading existing 4G sites to support 5G, and deploying additional spectrum to increase capacity in busy areas.
For UK contract shoppers, the significance is twofold:
- Future‑proofing – Devices bought today that support 5G+ will continue to work as the network matures, protecting the value of a handset purchase.
- Potential contract incentives – O2 often bundles network upgrades into its contract offers, meaning customers may see promotional data allowances or handset discounts tied to the new coverage.
Derbyshire’s track record with 5G+
Derbyshire has been a showcase for O2’s rollout strategy. In 2025 the market town of Bakewell became the 500th location in the UK to receive 5G+, celebrated with a record‑breaking giant Bakewell Tart. While Bakewell is not part of the latest 368‑site batch, its earlier inclusion highlights the county’s long‑standing partnership with O2.
The operator also highlighted its role in public‑service support, noting that O2 Satellite helped Derbyshire firefighters during a major wildfire earlier this year – an example of how the upgraded network can aid emergency response.
Awards and industry recognition
O2’s network improvements have not gone unnoticed. Independent benchmarking firm Umlaut Connect named Virgin Media O2 Europe’s most improved mobile network in 2025, citing gains in reliability, coverage and overall performance. The carrier also retained the Best Mobile Network Coverage award at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for the second consecutive year.
These accolades suggest that the 5G+ rollout is not merely a marketing exercise but part of a broader effort to raise service quality across the UK.
How to access the new service
Customers with a compatible Android phone (or iPhone) can switch to 5G+ by:
- Ensuring their device supports the required 5G SA bands (most flag‑ship models from 2022 onward do).
- Updating their SIM to the latest version – some users may need to move to a digital eSIM.
- Checking that their contract includes 5G access; most O2 plans do, but it’s worth confirming.
O2 provides a coverage checker on its website where users can enter a postcode to see the exact outdoor 5G+ availability. According to the press release, every town in the rollout has at least 90 % outdoor coverage.
What this means for Android‑mobile shoppers in the UK
For readers of Android‑Mobiles.co.uk who are hunting a new contract or handset, the Derbyshire rollout signals a few practical takeaways:
- Device choice matters – If you’re considering a mid‑range Android phone, verify that it supports 5G SA. Models such as the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus Nord 3 meet the criteria.
- Potential data‑speed benefits – While O2’s standard 5G already offers respectable speeds, the SA network can push peak rates higher, which is valuable for 4K streaming or large file uploads on the go.
- Future contract offers – O2 may bundle the new coverage into promotional deals later in the year, especially as the company seeks to convert users from rival networks that still rely on older 4G‑based 5G.
- Regional advantage – If you live or work in Derbyshire, you’ll be among the first to enjoy the upgraded network without paying extra, a perk that could influence where you sign up for a new plan.
Bottom line
O2’s latest 5G+ expansion brings a standalone, high‑performance mobile network to a substantial portion of Derbyshire’s population. Backed by a £700 million investment and reinforced by recent industry awards, the rollout promises tangible speed and reliability gains for Android users. Contract shoppers should verify device compatibility and keep an eye on O2’s upcoming offers, as the enhanced network could become a decisive factor when choosing a new plan.
All figures are based on O2’s press release and the latest Office for National Statistics estimates (2024). For the most up‑to‑date coverage map, visit the O2 5G+ page.