Spring clean your smartphone

Spring clean your smartphone

Traditionally, many of us do a spring clean in our homes around this time of year – doing a deep clean of the house, throwing out clutter, changing your duvet from the heavy winter one. But we’re not going to talk about that; instead, we’re going to talk about doing a spring clean of your phone with a bonus of helping to keep you organised this spring.

Why a spring clean?

Over time your phone can get cluttered up and bogged down – all those games and apps you’ve downloaded but no longer use and all those photos and videos you’ve taken that you don’t want to get rid of, but don’t really need on your phone anymore. Keeping your phone in check can help ensure it continues running smoothly and frees up more space for what’s truly important to you.

Declutter games and apps

On most phones, just 'tap and hold' an app icon until it wiggles, then tap the uninstall button

Many of us will have had our smartphones for months or even years with games and apps on it we won’t have used in a long time – some of them may even be running in the background, using up your phone resources and maybe even your battery.

So, it’s time to think about that long overdue declutter – think of it like your annual Social Media ‘friend cleanse’ – be ruthless!

  • Will I ever use this app again?
  • Do I really need 19 photo-editing apps?
  • Am I likely to use it again this year?
  • If you answered “no”, tap that uninstall button – you can always reinstall it again if or when you need it

O2 Guru Top Tip

Tip for Android: There are loads of apps that can ‘mass uninstall’ apps you select if you know exactly what you want to get rid of. This could make this task easier and faster.

Organise your apps

Once you’ve gotten rid of all the apps you no longer need, it’s time to get organised, and folders are the best way to do this.  Create one for your Social Media apps, another one for games, another for your entertainment apps, and of course an ‘O2’ folder for My O2 and Priority.

Organising your apps into folders will visually declutter your home screen and make it easier to find the apps you need

Just look at the difference this simple change will make – it will visually declutter your screen and make it loads easier to find exactly what you want.

O2 Guru Top TipTip for iPhone: Did you know if you swipe down on your home screen you’ll see a search box to search for the app you’re after? A handy alternative to folders.

O2 Guru Top TipTip for Android: Widgets are hugely useful and you can add a search box wherever you want on your screen, to search for games, apps, emails, particular texts etc

Get storage space back

There are many ways to achieve this – getting rid of apps you no longer use is one of them, but there are other options:

Photos & VideosPhotos & Videos. What if we said you could automatically save and upload all your photos and videos to a free online storage, giving you instant easy access to them without taking up any space on your phone? Google Photos gives users free and unlimited storage for photos up to 16MP and 1080P videos and it even uses magic to detect what the photo subjects are, and smart organise them for you.

Folder CleanerHire a cleaner. Magic Phone Cleaner for iOS is one of the top rated ‘cleaners’ on the App Store and can help you identify the largest files on your device making it easier for you to delete the ones you no longer need, helping you free up space quickly.

CleanerIf you’re on AndroidClean Master on the Play Store has an average 4.7* rating from nearly 42 million reviews, making it one of the best on the market. With it, you can clean up far more storage and files such as app cache, ad junk, obsolete files, and even clean up your phone’s memory.

Clean your phone

Clean your phoneAccording to a Which? Report a few years ago, a smartphone has more bacteria than a typical office toilet seat so if you don’t clean your phone regularly, we’d absolutely recommend it. Here are some ways to ensure your phone stays shiny and new-looking for longer.

  1. The DIY clean. Grab a microfiber cloth (we’d be surprised if you don’t have at least one laying around at home) and consider giving your phone a clean a few times a week.
  2. The deep clean. Microfiber cloths will help remove fingerprints and a lot of bacteria, but not all.  Pick up a ‘cleaning kit’ from most phone or tech shops that will help remove more bacteria.
  3. Get some protection. Cases are a great way to protect your phone from scratches, but these too can collect germs and bacteria very quickly, so make sure to take the correct steps to clean your case regularly as well. If your case is a little worse for wear, we have a huge selection of fantastic cases right here. Similarly, you can also get film & glass screen protectors to help keep your screen protected, with glass screen protectors offering a bit more protection.

Recycle your old tech

RecycleIf during your home spring clean you find old tech that you don’t use or no longer need, recycle them with O2 Recycle and you can even get yourself some cash for it – better yet, get 10% extra on your device’s value this Easter with O2 Recycle on O2 Priority. Offer valid 14/03/18 – 03/04/18.

Refresh UpgradeAnd, who knows, if you’re an O2 Refresh customer where we split your device cost from your airtime plan, you might even get enough back from O2 Recycle to pay off your device plan early and get that brand new upgrade you’ve been looking for… Samsung Galaxy S9 or Sony Xperia XZ2, perhaps?

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Source: O2 Blog






Telefónica UK (O2) appoints two new members to its Executive Committee signposting ambition to innovate

  • Jo Bertram, former Uber Regional General Manager for Northern Europe, appointed as Telefónica UK Chief Digital and Strategy Officer
  • Gareth Turpin, former O2 Director of Customer Service, appointed as Telefónica UK Sales Director
  • Both will assume their roles in April, reporting directly to CEO, Mark Evans

O2 today announces it has appointed two new members to its Executive Committee, signposting its ambitions to transcend the sector by innovating for the customer. Jo Bertram, former Uber Regional General Manager for Northern Europe, and Gareth Turpin, former O2 Director of Customer Service, have been appointed as Telefónica UK’s Chief Digital and Strategy Officer and Sales Director respectively. Both will assume their roles in April and report directly to Mark Evans, Telefónica UK CEO.

Telefónica UK’s business strategy is Customer-Led, Mobile-First. In a speech made earlier this month at the Media and Telecoms 2018 & Beyond conference hosted by Enders, Mark Evans, Telefónica CEO, addressed delegates by saying: “Our intention is to exploit the potential that mobile has to offer, redefining yet more ways in which people and businesses can take advantage of the mobile-powered world.” The two new Executive Committee members, with their experience, will strengthen Telefónica UK’s route to achieving this goal.

Mark Evans, Telefónica UK’s Chief Executive Officer said of the appointments, “I am excited to be able to announce that Jo Bertram will be joining the team and bringing with her a wealth of innovative and customer centric experience. Alongside her, Gareth Turpin will assume the role of Sales Director following a long and successful tenure in the business. Both appointments will strengthen the team as a whole, bringing new perspectives from inside and out. I am confident that our 50:50 gender split Executive Committee has the talent and capability to take Telefónica UK to the next level.”

Jo Bertram joins Telefónica UK with an expansive background in management Telefónica UK (O2) appoints two new members to its Executive Committee signposting ambition to innovateconsultancy and leading innovative digital business models. With an MBA from INSEAD, Jo spent eight years of her career consulting both for Accenture in London and Melbourne and McKinsey in Geneva and Johannesburg. Latterly, Jo spent four years as Regional General Manager for Northern Europe at Uber – growing a team of three to over 300 across 10 countries, overseeing the expansion across the UK, and the launch of Ireland, Denmark, Finland and Norway.

Jo is an Executive in Residence for EQT Ventures, where she supports ambitious founders on their journeys to global success. Her new appointment with Telefónica, which commences on 9th April, builds on her previous experience of tech, strategy and innovative business models.

Jo said of her appointment, “I am thrilled to be joining Telefónica UK at this exciting time of unprecedented change, where new technologies have the ability to shape the industry, and where digital will be critical to future success. O2 has a long heritage in putting the customer first and I am honoured to be joining such an impressive, passionate and collaborative team. In addition to my new appointment with Telefónica, I will be continuing in an advisory support role for EQT Ventures and its portfolio companies on the growth stage of their journeys.”

Telefónica UK (O2) appoints two new members to its Executive Committee signposting ambition to innovate

Gareth Turpin joined O2 in 2001 and has held a number of senior appointments in his 17-year tenure. He has led the Consumer Sales and Supply Chain functions as well as O2’s company-wide transformation programme. Most recently, Gareth was Director of Customer Service, leading responsibility for O2’s key strategic partnership with Capita since 2012. He was invited by Mark Evans, CEO, to act as interim Sales Director on the Executive Committee in September 2017, an appointment which has now been made permanent.

Gareth said of his appointment, “I am delighted to be accepting the role of Sales Director for Telefónica UK, having spent nearly two decades with the company. The opportunity will allow me to bring together all the experience amassed in my various roles with my passion to make every day better for our customers. As well as helping to grow our consumer base, I am excited by the prospect of helping our business customers unlock significant gains in productivity, performance and profitability using the power of mobile.”

Telefónica UK’s Executive Committee has a 50:50 gender split, which the business hopes will become the yardstick for the industry and beyond.

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Source: O2 Blog






Upgrade UK cities now or miss out on productivity savings of £6 billion a year from 5G – O2

Upgrade UK cities now or miss out on productivity savings of £6 billion a year from 5G – O2

Upgrade UK cities now or miss out on productivity savings of £6 billion a year from 5G – O2

New analysis shows how 5G will improve household finances and drive savings for councils

  • Households stand to save £450 a year on energy, council and food bills
  • Councils will regain £2.8 billion annually thanks to the introduction of smart lighting and smart refuse collection, as well as improved social care
  • The NHS is also set to benefit as 5G frees up 1.1 million GP hours by facilitating tele-health video conferencing and real-time remote health monitoring
  • Meanwhile, cities will increase their liveability through reductions in road congestion and rail delays and improvements to smart grids and healthcare – generating total productivity savings of £6 billion for the UK’s cities economy

O2’s The value of 5G for cities and communities report, launched today, identifies how 5G will ‘update the operating system’ of our cities, making them smarter and creating tangible benefits for citizens and local councils – as well as generating £6 billion in productivity savings for the UK economy.

Speaking at the launch of the report in London today, O2 CEO, Mark Evans said: “Of all the ingredients that keep our economy and society moving, arguably top of the list is mobile. Our report demonstrates how 5G technology, when it arrives, will provide unprecedented benefits for consumers, councils and cities alike. The enhanced connectivity on offer will make a real difference to people’s lives and pockets. However none of these benefits are assured. We need a high level of collaboration to press ahead with the rollout and to hardwire 5G into the fabric of our cities.”

Joining him at the event, Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries said:
“We want the UK to be a world leader in 5G, and this report highlights the huge potential we have to get ahead and reap the benefits of this exciting new technology.

“We’re already investing £25 million in new testbeds across the UK that will pave the way for our 5G future and our work with industry will be vital to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Upgrade UK cities now or miss out on productivity savings of £6 billion a year from 5G – O2

The report predicts that through 5G:

Every household will save up to £450 a year:

  • £145 will be shaved off household energy bills through the introduction of 5G-enabled smart grids that drive dynamic pricing, enable better distribution, and allow consumers to choose where they buy energy.
  • Households’ council tax bills will be £66 less, if councils pass on the saving created through smart refuse collection.
  • Households will save an additional £236 by reducing food waste thanks to the introduction of smart fridges, which will send ‘shelfies’ of their contents to consumers’ smartphones, helping them avoid buying un-needed food.
  • Car owners could save an additional £1,600 in annual fuel costs, when an extra 1.3 million electric cars are brought onto the roads by 2025 as a result of 5G-proofed energy grids that can withstand mass charging of electric cars.

Local councils will collectively share an annual £2.8 billion of efficiency savings, brought about by:

  • An £890 million reduction in social care costs for those living alone like the elderly, facilitated by 5G telehealth and monitoring. This will allow families and councils to consider alternatives to private residential care or employing carers.
  • The introduction of commercial and residential smart refuse collection, which will save councils £1.8 billion
  • Energy savings of £91 million, facilitated by the adoption of smart LED street lighting, which can be dimmed or brightened remotely as needed – like Telefónica’s projects in Malaga and Santander.

GP consultations will be streamlined, relieving pressure on the NHS:

  • Replacing just 5% of GP appointments with telehealth video conferencing will reduce physical GP visits by 4 million per year. This will be made possible thanks to the responsiveness and speed of 5G, which will also power improvements in telehealth imaging and data collection.
  • Waiting times for GP appointments will fall, as 1 million hours of GP time is freed up, creating productivity gains of £1.3 billion through less employee absence during the working day.
  • Meanwhile, 5G will enable the widespread adoption of wearable monitoring devices that will reduce 30-day NHS hospital re-admissions by 30% through aftercare monitoring, saving our cities £463 million per year and decreasing overall bed occupancy rates by 6%.

 Cities’ transport infrastructure will be improved, reducing commuting time:

  • 5G sensors on railway lines will drive improvements in predictive maintenance, reclaiming an estimated £440 million in lost productivity for the UK economy and regaining the average rail commuter 2.6 hours a year.
  • Meanwhile, 5G-enabled road management systems, able to respond seamlessly to traffic volumes, will reduce the time spent stuck in traffic by 10% for the UK’s 5.6 million vehicle commuters.
  • Commuters will also be better connected to street-level data via mobile journey planning apps linked to connected street furniture such as lamp posts and bus stops, helping them better plan journeys and avoid congested routes.

At the launch event, O2 today called for greater collaboration between industry, Government, local councils, landlords and developers to ensure Britain can reap the benefits of 5G and maintain its digital leadership.

O2 has already been taking steps to pave the way for the rollout of 5G in the UK. Just last month, it announced it will partner with AEG to launch a 5G trial at The O2. Its parent company Telefónica also launched its 5G Technological Cities project in January, which will see the Spanish cities of Segovia and Talavera de la Reina converted into 5G living laboratories over the next three years to 2020.

Derek McManus, O2’s Chief Operating Officer said: “There are more mobile connections in Britain than there are people and the demand for mobile frequency and easier access is only increasing. It’s clear from our report that 5G technology will play a vital role in ensuring that all citizens get the mobile service they deserve. But while 5G promises a range of unprecedented benefits, we should be clear that these won’t be achieved without collective investment and collaboration. That means complete alignment from operators, public service providers, local authorities, landlords and technology companies to explore new opportunities for better connectivity and denser coverage.”

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Source: O2 Blog






O2 launch Media Awards 2018

Chance to shine for Yorkshire’s media stars

Stars of the media industry across Yorkshire and The Humber will have the chance to shine at this year’s O2 Media Awards.

Once again there’s no fee to enter any of the award categories which cover print, broadcast and on-line journalism as well as entertainment, social and community media.

“The O2 awards recognise media talent in all its forms. We are looking forward to another truly memorable year of entries showcasing the region’s top media performers.” said Nicola Green, Director of Corporate Affairs at O2.

Individual and team categories for the region’s print and broadcast journalists remain. Yorkshire’s Best Writer award returns and there are two awards focusing on how the media support and promote their local communities.

Yorkshire-based maker of news, sport and entertainment programmes will have the opportunity to showcase their work, while judges will also be on the look out for the best media organisation or individual in the O2 Stand Out Award.

Deadline for entries is April 26, 2018. Only work published or broadcast between May 3, 2017 and April 6, 2018 is eligible for the individual and team categories.

Judging panels will meet in May and shortlisted nominees will be announced in June. All nominees will be invited to the awards presentation on July 5, 2018, where category winners will be crowned.

The O2 Media Awards have the support of ITV and BBC, the Press Association and leading newspaper publishers. Judges are made up of experts from the media industry and include working journalists, editors and publishers, writers and producers.

Details of the O2 Media Awards for the North West of England will be announced soon.

This year’s categories are:

  • News Reporter
  • Broadcast Presenter
  • Best Writer
  • Television Journalist
  • Sports Journalist
  • Young Journalist
  • Radio Journalist
  • Camera Operator
  • News Programme
  • Sports Programme
  • Entertainment Programme
  • On-line Media
  • Best Newspaper
  • Magazine & Specialist Publication
  • Community Publication
  • Community Journalism
  • Most Memorable
  • Best Team
  • O2 Stand Out

 

Entry forms and criteria information are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01829 741371 or by e-mail request to [email protected]

For more information, contact

 

Mark Rossiter

Rossiter Media Limited

[email protected]

+44 (0)1829 741371

 

 

O2 Press Office contacts

 

t +44 (0)1753565656

e: [email protected]

 

All O2 news releases can be accessed at our website: www.o2.co.uk/news

About O2

O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is a leading digital communications company with the highest customer satisfaction for any mobile provider according to Ofcom. With over 25 million customers, O2 runs 2G, 3G and 4G networks across the UK, as well as operating O2 Wifi and owning half of Tesco Mobile. O2 has over 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and the England rugby team. Read more about O2 at www.o2.co.uk/news.

 

Telefónica UK Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 1743099.

Its registered office is at: 260 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX, United Kingdom

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Source: O2 Blog






O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices

O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices

O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices

  • Sony Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact available on O2 Refresh tariffs in the coming weeks
  • O2 to exclusively range Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK

O2 has today revealed that the newly announced Sony Xperia XZ2 and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact will be available on a range of O2 Refresh tariffs in the coming weeks.O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices

O2 will exclusively sell the Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK, as well as offering the classic Black option, whilst the Xperia XZ2 will be available in Liquid Black, Liquid Silver & Petrol Blue colour variants.

Available on O2’s O2 Refresh tariff, the latest Xperia devices include the brand’s loudest speakers ever and stunning Sony BRAVIA® TV Full HD+ HDR display, providing a truly immersive viewing. Moreover, the Sony Xperia XZ2 lets users experience the best of Sony entertainment in the palm of their hand with the new Dynamic Vibration System which analyses audio data and lets users feel the action in the palm of their hand for a truly unique experience.

With O2 Refresh those who want to upgrade early from another handset need only pay off the remaining balance of their Device Plan to stay bang-up-to-date. What’s more, customers who want to keep their phone after two years will only pay for their monthly Airtime Plan from that point.

Plus, by recycling an old handset through O2 Recycle, customers can receive a cash payment when they upgrade. This could be up to £240 for the Sony Xperia XZ1, depending on the condition of the device*. Customers can recycle in-store or online at www.o2.co.uk/recycle.

For more information on new phone launches, visit www.o2.co.uk.

*Your device must pass our checklist. The value will depend on the model and condition. We can transfer the money or you can use the money towards a new purchase from O2 in the same transaction. Our terms apply o2recycle.co.uk.

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Source: O2 Blog






O2 opens pre-order for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

O2 opens pre-order for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

O2 opens pre-order for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

  • The latest Samsung flagships are available to pre-order from O2 online from today
  • Those who pre-order before 8th March will receive their new device seven days earlier than the general public1
  • Customers can benefit from a range of flexible tariffs and promotions, including O2’s best ever data deal2

O2 has announced that its customers can now pre-order the hotly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ flagships, before they go on sale on 16th March. Keen fans who put in their order for either handset before 8th March will receive it seven days earlier than general sale.

Available for pre-order on O2’s market leading O2 Refresh and flexible tariffs, customers can now get their hands on both the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Midnight Black, Coral Blue and Lilac Purple colour variants tariffs offering O2’s best ever data deal – buy 5GB and get an extra 10GB on us, up to an enormous 90GB; when you buy 50GB and get an extra 40GB on us. O2 opens pre-order for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

With flexible tariffs, customers can move their bills up or down each month, giving freedom to adjust how much data they expect to use – giving customers greater flexibility and control over their monthly bills.

Additionally, the long-awaited new devices will be available on both O2’s coveted Yearly Upgrade Programme and returning free screen replacement promotion. The Yearly Upgrade Programme offers customers the opportunity to trade in their phone after only 12 months and upgrade to a new one without having to pay to end their current O2 Device Plan. Customers can also receive a free screen replacement over the course of 24 months with specific O2 Refresh tariffs.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ builds on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs and functional devices. The 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch models offer an Infinity Display that allows users to see more and hold less, for a deeper experience when viewing photos or movies as well as new re-imagined camera technology that allows for great photos, even in dark settings.

Plus, dual stereo speakers tuned by AKG offer a cinema-like experience with Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer Bixby Translate to help users speak the local language when abroad, not to mention also water resistant up to 30 minutes at 1.5metres making both devices the ideal travel companion.

 O2 Refresh options include3:

For the S9

  • Prices start from £44 per month on S9
  • £209.99 upfront then £44 a month for 1GB of data OR £89.99 upfront then £49 a month for 1GB of data
  • Our data offer starts from £56 a month, £49.99 up front for 15GB of data (5GB + 10GB extra data)
  • Our Yearly Upgrade and free screen replacement starts from £64 a month, £49.99 upfront for 50GB of data (20GB + 30GB extra data)

For the S9+

  • Prices start from £49 per month on S9+
  • £209.99 upfront then £49 a month for 1GB of data OR £89.99 upfront then £54 a month for 1GB of data
  • Our data offer starts from £61 a month, £49.99 upfront for 15GB of data (5GB + 10GB extra data)
  • Our Yearly Upgrade and free screen replacement starts from £69 a month, £49.99 upfront for 50GB of data (20GB + 30GB extra data)

With O2 Refresh, those who want to upgrade early from another handset need only pay off the remaining balance of their Device Plan to stay bang-up-to-date. What’s more, customers who want to keep their phone after two years will only pay for their monthly Airtime Plan from that point. Terms and conditions apply, visit o2.co.uk/termsandconditions for full details.

Plus, by recycling an old handset through O2 Recycle, customers can receive an extra cash4 payment when they upgrade. This could be up to £100 for a Samsung S7, S7 edge, S6 or S6 edge+, depending on the condition of the device. Customers can recycle in-store or online at www.o2.co.uk/recycle.

The Samsung S9 and S9+ are available to pre-order from O2 stores or online now. For more details on tariffs and pricing, and to pre-order visit www.o2.co.uk/shop/phones/samsung/galaxy-s9.

– ENDS –

 1 Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S9 or Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus between 25 Feb and 8 March 2018. Direct channels only. Pre-orders do not guarantee handsets availability or release dates which may be subject to change. Terms apply see o2.co.uk/terms.

2 Best data offer is based on a price per GB calculation. Direct purchases only, when bought with eligible O2 Refresh tariffs. 5GB tariff with 10GB added each month for the first 24 months only. 24-month minimum term. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status, credit check and direct debit. 18+. Europe Zone data only. UK calls/texts to standard UK landlines and mobiles and when roaming in our Europe Zone. Fair Usage policy applies. Special and out of bundle numbers chargeable. 4G phone required to access 4G. 4G available in selected areas. Terms apply see o2.co.uk/terms.

3 Your Airtime Plan will be adjusted every year on your April bill by the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation announced in the preceding February. Find out more at o2.co.uk/prices.

4 Extra £100: (i) pre order the Samsung S9 or S9+ between 25 February and 15 March 2018, (ii) purchase the S9 or S9+ by 15 April 2018, and (iii) trade in a Samsung S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, S7, or S7 Edge by 15 April 2018 with O2 Recycle, to get an extra £100 from O2 Recycle. Direct purchases only, when bought with eligible O2 Refresh, Business Essentials and Small Biz tariffs. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status, credit check and direct debit. 18+. O2 Recycle trade in payment or credit and £100 extra trade in payment or credit may be credited separately.

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Source: O2 Blog






O2 to launch 5G test bed at The O2

O2 to launch 5G test bed at The O2

O2 to launch 5G test bed at The O2

Test network will be available for visitors to enjoy at least two years ahead of expected 5G rollout in Britain

O2 today unveiled plans to launch a 5G test bed at The O2 in North Greenwich later this year, bringing a 5G experience to the world’s most popular entertainment venue. Installation of the network will begin in March, with visitors able to enjoy the technology from the second half of 2018. The move will see O2 leading the way in putting the next generation network technology into the hands of the British public.

The network will initially roll-out across select locations at The O2, including the exclusive O2 blueroom and the O2 store at the venue, with plans to extend coverage across the venue by the end of 2020. It will initially allow O2 customers to experience ground-breaking technology via a variety of customer demonstrations. Demonstrations being assessed for showcasing include virtual reality, augmented reality and live streaming.

The test bed will be delivered using ‘Multi-access Edge Computing’ (MEC) and is configured for virtualisation of core 5G network technologies. In time, O2 will use the network to test a variety of equipment and potential use cases for 5G under live conditions, gathering feedback from customers and partners to ensure a future high quality service for customers in the future.

This latest customer initiative from O2 has been designed to ensure the business is 5G ready and primed to launch a leading next generation network for customers when spectrum and equipment availability allow. The installation at The O2 will be the first in a number of trials in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that will look at uses for 5G for consumers, businesses and the public sector. It follows a similar approach taken by the business when it was the first to launch a live 4G trial in London back in 2011.

The announcement builds on O2 and AEG’s ongoing commitment to enhance the fan experience at The O2 before, during and after each event, as they strive to set the industry benchmark for live entertainment. The new 5G network follows the recent ten-year renewal of the partnership and continued joint strategic investment in the connectivity across the venue, resulting in high definition wi-fi and dynamic digital advertising solutions. These initiatives have created a truly immersive experience for fans.

The O2 is the world’s most popular music and entertainment venue. Since opening in 2007, it has been visited by more than 70 million people. On event nights, O2 customers can visit the O2 blueroom with up to three friends simply by using the Priority app. In addition to the arena, The O2 is also home to indigo at The O2, a live performance space; an 11-screen Cineworld complex; Up at The O2, an experience that allows visitors to walk across the roof of The O2; and The Avenue, which features over 26 bars and restaurants.

Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The arrival of 5G technology, and the range of unprecedented benefits it will bring, will play a key role in keeping our society and the British economy moving for years to come. That’s why we are delighted to announce our plans to launch a 5G test bed at The O2 later this year. At O2, we are obsessive about always delivering for our customers, and this test bed is a further example of our pioneering attitude to putting our customers first and and backing the importance of mobile for Britain’s future.”

John Langford, General Manager of The O2 commented: “We are delighted that our partner O2 has chosen our venue for the first test of this exciting new mobile technology.  It is a clear demonstration of their deep commitment to improving the customer and fan experience at The O2 through innovative technology.  We’re excited to see 5G in action and know it will deliver clear benefits for O2 customers who visit.” 

London’s Chief Digital Officer, Theo Blackwell, said: “O2’s decision to bring 5G technology to one of the world’s most iconic entertainment venues reinforces London’s status as a global leader in digital innovation and investment.  I want London to be the world’s leading smart city and these 5G trials at The O2 will give visitors an early opportunity to experience the enhanced services that can be supported by 5G digital connectivity. This move by O2 is good news for London and its future.”

About 5G

5G is the next evolution of mobile connectivity that promises a faster and more reliable mobile data connection than is currently available. It will offer a higher bandwidth and lower latency network experience, meaning faster speeds can be achieved with a more reliable network experience for a greater number of devices on a network.

5G will not only improve the experience of how people use mobile networks today but will also unlock a range of completely new services delivered over mobile networks, making the lives of UK citizens easier, safer and more enjoyable.

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Source: O2 Blog