Summary:
Ericsson has expanded its long-term partnership with Virgin Media O2 through a five-year agreement to serve as the primary RAN supplier, supporting a major upgrade of the UK network under the operator’s Mobile Transformation Plan. The collaboration focuses on enhancing 5G capabilities, network performance, and efficiency through advanced radio technologies, AI-driven optimization, and improved use of mid-band spectrum. It also enables expanded 5G Standalone services, network programmability, and future-ready infrastructure, while building on ongoing investments that have already increased coverage, capacity, and industry recognition.
Ericsson has deepened its long-standing collaboration with Virgin Media O2 by signing a five-year deal that establishes it as the main supplier of Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment across the operator’s UK infrastructure.
This agreement marks a significant step in Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which is focused on providing faster and more dependable connectivity throughout the country.
Under the partnership, Ericsson will support most of the operator’s radio network as part of a large-scale modernization effort aimed at improving overall performance, expanding capacity, and increasing efficiency. The move comes in response to rising demand for high-quality mobile services, with Virgin Media O2’s network traffic having more than doubled over the past five years.
A key element of this transformation involves making better use of newly acquired 5G mid-band spectrum, helping the company strengthen its position in 5G Standalone (SA) services. With 5G SA already covering 87 percent of the UK population, the upgrades will enable more customers to access next-generation network capabilities.
The rollout will feature a wide range of Ericsson Radio System technologies, including advanced multiband Massive MIMO radios such as the AIR 3229 and Radio 4486. These solutions are intended to enhance spectrum utilization, boost network capacity, and lower energy consumption across both new and existing sites.
Beyond hardware improvements, Ericsson will also deploy software powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable real-time network optimization. These tools will help balance traffic loads dynamically, improve service quality, and streamline operations, addressing the increasing complexity of 5G networks.
Network programmability will be another important aspect of the upgrade, allowing Virgin Media O2 to fully leverage 5G SA capabilities. Through features like network slicing, the operator will be able to offer customized services for enterprise, industrial, and application-specific needs, potentially unlocking new revenue opportunities while enhancing user experience.
The partnership also supports Virgin Media O2’s long-term transition toward Cloud RAN and future 5G-Advanced technologies, ensuring the network remains flexible and ready for evolving demands.
This deal builds on a series of investments already made under the Mobile Transformation Plan. In 2025, the company focused on boosting capacity by acquiring additional spectrum, deploying small cells, and upgrading high-traffic locations such as stadiums and transport hubs. It also expanded coverage to rail lines, major roadways, and previously underserved rural and coastal areas.
Virgin Media O2 has already made notable progress in expanding its network. By the end of 2025, its outdoor 5G coverage reached 87 percent of the population, reflecting a 12 percentage point increase within a year. Its full-fibre network extended to 8.3 million premises, while its gigabit-capable infrastructure grew to 18.8 million premises. Investment remained substantial, with £2,089.2 million spent during the year.
These efforts have also received industry recognition. Opensignal named Virgin Media O2 the UK’s leading broadband provider, while Umlaut Connect ranked O2 as the most improved mobile network in Europe.
