Rollout Reaches Four Key Towns
O2 has activated its 5G+ service in Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Workington and Ulverston, giving more than 219,000 people access to the standalone network. The upgrade promises quicker speeds, steadier connections and lower lag without any price rise for existing customers.
What You Need to Use It
Only phones that support standalone 5G will pick up the signal, and some users may have to swap to a digital eSIM. Full instructions sit on O2’s site. The service forms part of Virgin Media O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan that is adding masts, spectrum and automation across 2026.
Quote from O2
Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said: “Reliable mobile connectivity is vital to everyday life across Cumbria, helping local businesses thrive and keeping residents connected wherever they are. Whether people are working, travelling or speaking to loved ones, they need a network they can rely on.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in strengthening our network across Cumbria as part of our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan. By bringing 5G+ to more customers across the county, alongside innovations such as O2 Satellite to help customers stay connected in harder-to-reach areas, we’re helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected when it matters most.”
Rival Moves and What It Means
EE’s own 5G+ network now covers more than 80% of the UK, so O2 is playing catch-up in rural counties. The Cumbria launch also includes O2 Satellite as a back-up for spots where hills block normal signals. We track these network upgrades on our mobile phones page so you can see which provider actually reaches your postcode before you switch.
