Mobile network O2 has announced that all Pay Monthly customers with a compatible handset will now receive free access to its enhanced 5G standalone technology, which it markets as 5G+. The upgrade, available from today, is said to deliver speeds around 50 percent faster than standard 4G and improved battery performance as devices no longer need to switch between 4G and 5G networks.
O2's 5G+ is now live in over 700 towns and cities across the UK, with no extra charge for Pay Monthly subscribers. To use the service, customers need a handset that supports 5G+ technology, including the iPhone 15 and later models, Samsung Galaxy phones from 2021 onwards, and Google Pixel devices from the past two years.
However, possessing a compatible handset alone is not enough; customers also require a newer R15 SIM card, issued from 2024 onwards, or an eSIM. Older SIM cards are not designed to support 5G standalone services. O2 confirmed that customers can swap their SIM for a free R15 version via the company's website if needed.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “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 boosts performance in busy areas and major venues.
Competitor EE also offers 5G standalone, but only on certain premium pay monthly packages. O2's move comes amid a broader industry shift towards eSIM technology, which eliminates the need for physical SIM cards. The iPhone Air, launching in September 2025, will be eSIM-only in the UK.
