Virgin Media O2 has unveiled a significant nationwide upgrade programme, dramatically enhancing mobile connectivity along more than 40 crucial motorways and A roads across the United Kingdom.
The extensive project covers an impressive 590 miles of road network, targeting some of the country's busiest routes. Key corridors set for improvement include the M1 from London to Leeds, the M4 linking London and Bristol, the M6 between Coventry and Carlisle, and Scotland's M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh.
A Dual-Pronged Network Enhancement
The operator is deploying a two-fold strategy to bolster its network. This involves a substantial 4G boost across 311 existing sites, improving signal strength and consistency for millions of users. In a parallel push for next-generation connectivity, the company is also undertaking 338 entirely new 5G builds along these routes.
Virgin Media O2 has stated that these combined efforts will lead to a marked improvement in both network performance and reliability for all road users, from daily commuters to long-haul logistics operators.
Powering the Future: Connectivity Meets Electric Vehicle Charging
In a move that highlights the growing synergy between digital and green infrastructure, this connectivity drive is being coordinated with a major expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Believ, an EV charge point operator backed by Liberty Global, is installing up to 30,000 new public charging points nationwide. A strategic focus of this rollout will see new chargers placed in areas where O2 has recently boosted its mobile coverage, creating a more integrated and convenient experience for EV drivers.
Jeanie York, the Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, emphasised the critical role of connectivity in modern driving. "Connectivity underpins a huge part of the driving experience today, but particularly for EVs," she said.
York explained that the motorway upgrades are a key part of the company's broader £700 million investment in its Mobile Transformation Plan. The ultimate goal is to make every journey safer and more reliable for the British public.
"Alongside Believ's new charging points, this is about removing barriers so more people can make the switch to electric with confidence," she added, signalling a clear commitment to supporting the UK's transition to cleaner transport.
