Fresh coverage for Derby and beyond
O2 has activated its next-generation 5G+ network in 368 towns and villages across Derbyshire. The list includes Derby, Chesterfield, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Swadlincote, plus 349 smaller places. More than 380,000 residents can now tap the service with a compatible phone.
This follows the same pattern we saw when O2 Turns On 5G+ Across Cumbria Towns earlier this autumn. Every new site meets the 90 % outdoor coverage threshold before it goes live.
What the upgrade actually delivers
The standalone 5G+ network uses fresh infrastructure rather than riding on 4G kit. That means quicker downloads, steadier connections and lower lag for everyday use. Customers pay nothing extra provided their handset and SIM are ready.
The work sits inside Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which continues through 2026 with new masts, spectrum and automation. Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “From Bakewell becoming our 500th 5G+ location last year to supporting Derbyshire firefighters with O2 Satellite during a major wildfire earlier this year, we’re continuing to invest in better connectivity across the county. This latest rollout builds on our continued investment in Derbyshire, bringing faster speeds, improved reliability and lower latency to residents and businesses alike. Through our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, we’re pleased to bring the benefits of our next-generation network to more customers, helping them stay connected whenever they need to.”
How to check and switch on
Make sure your phone supports 5G+, update your SIM if prompted and, in some cases, move to an eSIM. Full steps sit on the O2 site. We list current 5G+ deals and handset compatibility at Mobile phones so you can see whether your plan already includes the upgrade or whether it is worth switching.
