Virgin Media O2 has completed a major upgrade to its mobile network across Manchester, boosting signal and service in over 5,700 postcodes since the start of last year. This work is part of a larger plan to enhance mobile connectivity and support growing data demands in the region.
Thanks to this investment, residents and businesses throughout the city are now enjoying faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services. Whether it’s working remotely, accessing essential online services, streaming content on the go, or keeping in touch with loved ones — staying connected has never been easier.
These upgrades fall under Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the company invest around £700 million in 2025 to future-proof its mobile network. The plan includes:
-
Expanding 4G and 5G coverage across the UK.
-
Rolling out dedicated small cells to improve performance in busy urban areas.
-
Tackling mobile “dead zones” in high-traffic locations such as railways, airports, motorways, stadiums, and arenas.
In addition, Virgin Media O2 is working on modernising its mobile infrastructure by decommissioning outdated technology, including its 3G network. This shift will allow more traffic to be handled by faster and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks.
According to Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, the improvements will help ensure that Manchester’s communities and businesses continue to benefit from dependable connectivity: “With customers using more data than ever before, the improvements we’ve made across the city will power digital lifestyles and support future demand.”




