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.

The post O2 to launch 5G test bed at The O2 appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• #FollowTheRabbit returns as O2 calls on the nation to get out and enjoy live music
• Major above the line campaign launching today with a two minute film cut to The Chemical Brothers track ‘EML Ritual’
• Innovative social executions include augmented reality proximity triggers on Snapchat, as well as regular ticket giveaways to gigs at venues across the country

O2 today unveils the evolution of its galvanising #FollowTheRabbit campaign. Building on the success of 2017’s launch and the mantra that life doesn’t come with catch up, 2018’s campaign focusses on the power of shared life experiences that only live music can offer.

At the heart of the campaign is that in an age of box sets, streaming and binge watching, people sometimes forget to get out into the world and experience life itself. With music being the most popular form of live experience in the UK,[1] O2 is uniquely placed to help customers and fans seize the emotional, visceral and connected moments of that it offers – whether it’s at The O2, one of 19 O2 Academy venues in 13 cities nationwide or access to thousands of Priority Tickets, 48 hours before general release.

Building on O2’s longstanding music heritage the campaign launches on the biggest night of the music calendar with a hero two minute film broadcast at 8.45pm on ITV during the BRITs. Shot in the style of a music video, O2 worked with The Chemical Brothers to adapt the track ‘EML Ritual’ to bring the film to life. It opens with a series of mundane everyday experiences but in each scene there is a blue rabbit staring at the characters reminding them of what’s outside and encouraging them to follow. As momentum builds, crowds of people are following their own rabbits all in the same direction, breaking into an excitable run. Everyone converges under a railway bridge, the rabbits have led them to a portal with pulsating light and the roar of the crowd…

This year’s #FollowTheRabbit will be appearing across a huge range of channels including Spotify, YouTube, video on demand and out of home spots across the UK. It will also appear on TV during ITV’s Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and The Voice Battle on 24^th February as well as the Carabao Cup final on Sky Sports the following day.

#FollowTheRabbit will feature prominently across Facebook videos and Instagram Stories, while anyone using the hashtag or #O2Music on Twitter will reveal a bespoke branded emoji. Using unique O2 customer insights, the campaign also features hundreds of tailored and contextual creative execution across digital display and YouTube. Different adverts will be served based location and type of content being displayed, driving increased relevancy and personalisation.

In a first for O2, the campaign will feature a Snapchat world lens with an augmented reality proximity trigger, allowing users to physically follow the blue rabbit in their surrounding environment. O2 is also broadening its work with cultural influencers and super fans, giving them front row access to live music at any O2 venue as part of an exclusive scheme.

 

Finally, O2 will be encouraging customers to snap up some of the thousands of Priority Tickets to live music across the UK, available 48 hours before general release. And, for those customers unable to get tickets, O2 will be running regular last minute ticket giveaways to sold-out gigs on social media.

Rachel Swift Brand Director and Head of Creative at O2, said:

“Through The O2, 19 O2 Academy venues and access to thousands of Priority Tickets, O2 provides access to some of the best live music not only nationwide, but worldwide.

Unlike other brands that encourage people to stay glued to a screen, O2 believes that everyone should be getting out and living in the moment. Nothing beats the emotional connection that comes from live music, and #FollowTheRabbit reminds our customers just how good it is.”

O2 and live music

• The O2 is the world’s most popular music and entertainment venue
• The O2 has welcomed over 60 million visitors and sold 20 million tickets since opening in 2007
• O2 runs 19 O2 Academy venues in 13 cities across the UK
• To date, 25 million people have been through the doors of an O2 Academy venue
• O2 customers have access to tickets to over 5,000 shows in over 400 venues across the UK each year via Priority
• 5m Priority Tickets sold to date

In 2017, O2 renewed its commitment to The O2 and O2 Academy venues with two longstanding sponsorship deals.

To find out more, visit O2’s hub at www.o2.co.uk/follow-the-rabbit.

[1] Media Insight Consulting

The post O2 promotes live music in new #FollowTheRabbit campaign appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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For any England Rugby super fan the chance to spend some time with the team in such a massive match week would be a dream.  Well, that is what two lucky Priority customers Jim and Carly Hadfield got to do for the England v Wales NatWest 6 Nations game at Twickenham.

How did they get this amazing opportunity we hear you ask? Easy. They like thousands of O2 customers entered a once in a lifetime competition to remember through Priority.

The week started off with a pitch side view of Eddie Jones putting his team through an intense training session, fine tuning ball-by-ball tactics leading up to the Wales game. Lunch with the England Rugby squad followed and an opportunity to compliment some of the England players on their training techniques.

After this training day, Jim and Carly spent the rest of the week pinching themselves about what an amazing first day they had. Then came England v Wales match day.

We brought them down to a very quiet Twickenham Stadium hours before the 82,000 plus were due to arrive.  First off a breakfast with former England and British & Irish Lions player Ugo Monye. Then straight to the changing rooms to help the kit staff lay out the team’s kit and everything else the players need to get ready for a big game.

Then came kick-off. First off they sang the national anthem at pitch-side. Certainly a wow moment. Front row seats for a pulsating England 12-6 win over Wales and then, once the celebrations had finished, Jim and Carly put on their best evening outfits and dined with a victorious England Rugby squad in the Spirit of Rugby.

“Thank you again for the whole experience. It’s one we will never ever forget. Thank you to the whole of O2 for making it all possible.”

What an amazing day and a once in a lifetime experience Jim and Carly will never forget thanks to Priority.

For amazing offers and perks, download the Priority app today and you could also have the chance to win some incredible prizes.

The post A Priority once in a lifetime experience to remember appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Written by Nina Bibby, CMO at O2

Tuesday 6th February marks this year’s Safer Internet Day.

Now in its 15th year, this day brings together schools, businesses, charities, the police and many others to help inspire a better, safer internet and keep children safe online.

At O2 we’ve been long term supporters of Safer Internet Day. With one in three internet users now under the age of 18 in the UK, and a third of children saying they have been a victim of cyberbullying, I firmly believe it’s one of the most important issues we face in society today.

Last month we commissioned some research which showed that both children and parents are hugely excited by the opportunities that technology can bring. Nearly half of the children we polled (49%) wanted to pursue a career in technology-focused jobs.

But we also know that our customers with children can sometimes feel nervous about actively encouraging them to enjoy the online world. Our research revealed that only 11% of parents encourage their kids to use technology as a way to develop skills or express creativity online.

More needs to be done to help support our children when they are online. For example, only a third (36%) of parents talk to their children about what they do online each day, compared to three quarters (75%) talking about what they do at school every day. Children are navigating an ever expanding online world. We need to make sure they are adequately prepared to manage the potential risks, but also the opportunities – and it’s clear there is a need for practical advice and support for parents.

So that’s why, for this Safer Internet Day, we’re going further. As part of our ongoing partnership with the UK’s leading child protection charity, the NSPCC, we’re writing to more than 100 MPs offering an online safety workshop for parents in their constituency to help keep children safe online.

Through our partnership with the NSPCC, parents can also visit our free Net Aware website and app which explains the social networks, apps or games their children use most frequently. Alternatively they can visit one of our 450 stores nationwide for tutorials with fully trained O2 Gurus.

A free helpline (0808 800 5002) and web chat is available seven days a week, giving parents access to online safety experts. Parents can learn about social networks, privacy settings and parental controls, designed to keep the whole family safe online.

Together with NSPCC, we’ve created a UK-wide network of support and information parents can rely on. The resources are available to everyone, both O2 customers and those with other networks.

If you’re interested in joining the conversation or want to know more about keeping your child safe online, join in our live Twitter Q&A from 10am-2pm on Tuesday 6th February with an O2 NSPCC helpline agent using the hashtag #O2NSPCC.

As a mother myself, I’m proud that we are committed to supporting Safer Internet Day again this year, helping families to enjoy the digital world safely and with confidence.

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MOBILE is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to stabilise and strengthen our economy. Join us on our mission to make mobile a national priority. Mobile moves Britain, so Britain needs to move mobile. 

The post A better, safer internet starts with you appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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You only turn sweet-sixteen once. To celebrate us blowing out another candle on the cake, check out sixteen O2 facts. If you spot any you didn’t know about, or want to ask us about, just drop us a tweet over here, or send us a message on Facebook.

1. 02.02.02
That’s our favourite date, not just because it looks awesome but it’s actually our birthday. Yep, we’re 16 today! We’ve shared some amazing moments with our customers over the years and there’s certainly a lot more to come.

2. O2 Refresh
What’s better than saving money? Our ground-breaking O2 Refresh tariff has transformed the way people buy mobile phones and lets you clearly see what you’re paying for by separating the device plan and airtime plan.  On O2 Refresh you can change devices whenever you want (once you’ve paid off your device plan) but, importantly, you’re not being charged for a phone you’ve already paid for #whypaymore

3. O2 NSPCC
We’re proud to partner with the NSPCC to give parents the tools, support and information they need to help their children explore the internet safely. Parents can get free help and advice from The O2 & NSPCC Child Safety Helpline (0808 800 5002) or online here: https://www.o2.co.uk/help/nspcc

4. O2 and the “Invincibles”
Eddie Jones’ mighty England Rugby team kick off their Six Nations campaign this weekend as they look to become the first nation to win the trophy three times in a row. To follow that up, Simon Middleton and the Red Roses are also looking to become back-to-back Grand Slam Six Nations champions for the first time.  We’ve shared some amazing moments with England rugby over the years and we’re excited to continue supporting both teams.

5. O2 and the iPhone
Back in the winter of 2007, the iPhone took the world by storm. We were so proud to be the only UK network to launch the iPhone, making us the only network in the UK to have had every iPhone from launch.

6. The O2
Last year we celebrated our 10^th anniversary sponsoring The O2 in London. The iconic landmark has transformed into the world’s most successful music and entertainment venue with some incredible acts taking the stage over the years.

7. O2 Academy Venues
Talking about music, we’ve had some epic shows and gigs since we launched the O2 Academy Venues across the UK in 2008. Make sure to let us know when you’re at an Academy gig by using the hashtag: #FollowTheRabbit.

8. OnePlus and O2
There’s a new player in town completely disrupting the global handset market and we’re super proud to be the exclusive UK network for OnePlus. We do love an exclusive for our customers.

9. O2 Sports
Back in 2012, we started  giving our customers the opportunity to have early access to some of the most anticipated sporting events in the UK, including boxing, rugby, tennis and UFC.

10. O2 on Social Media
We love social media at O2. We’re everywhere and we have so much fun sharing and interacting with our customers. If you haven’t already, make sure you follow us to keep up-to-date with our latest news, competitions or just an unforgettable moment.        

11. 10 Years at the O2
Well, it’s actually 11 now but last year we celebrated our 10^th anniversary in style with a whole host of events and gigs for our customers.Some amazing artists have taken the stage at The O2, including Beyoncé, Bieber and Bublé – and here’s to many more years and amazing memories at The O2.

12. O2 Wifi
7 years ago we launched our free Wifi network for everyone. O2 Wifi has over 15,000 hotspots across the UK  – including on The Coca-Cola London Eye.

13. Priority
Priority is our way of saying thanks to our customers.  From once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive deals and 48 hours early access to see your favourite bands, it’s all possible on Priority.

14. #O24G
Five years ago, we launched our 4G network and it continues to go from (signal) strength to strength… Next up, 5G!

15. O2 Adverts
If you could have anyone narrating your life it would have to be Sean Bean, right? The King of the North’s *deceased* Father/Uncle/ we don’t want any GoT spoilers complaints… let’s go with all round legend, has narrated the majority of our ads over the years.  Here’s to Sean Bean!

16. Last but not least…
You!! Whether you’re a customer who’s still with us, just joined us, or even left us (we hope you come back soon), you have been part of the past 16 years and we couldn’t have done it without you! O2. More for you.

The post We’re 16 today and to celebrate, here are 16 O2 facts appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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‘Triple NatWest 6 Nations champions’ has a nice sound to it, doesn’t it? Especially when you’re building up towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is the target set to his squad by Eddie Jones as England look to become the first nation to win the trophy outright three times in row. To follow that up, Simon Middleton and the Red Roses are looking to become back-to-back Grand Slam Six Nations champions for the first time.

So strap yourself in because the next several weeks are going to be a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to get off.

Tough opposition await

The defence of the NatWest 6 Nations crown starts for England with a tricky trip to Rome on 4 Feb against the Italians, in what can be a difficult place to play your rugby. The traditional big  England v Wales clash is at Twickenham on 10 February, which you can guarantee will be a fantastic atmosphere to match the anticipated build-up.

After the rest week it’s a Calcutta Cup clash with an ever impressive Scotland looking to put down a marker and back-up the hype around them. March brings two mouth-watering final games, with France away in Paris and then a St Patrick’s Day heavyweight clash between England v Ireland, in what could be a possible Grand Slam and NatWest 6 Nations decider. The 2018 NatWest 6 Nations has it all this year and we can’t wait for it to get started.

With only two NatWest 6 Nations games at home for England this year it seems strange to be looking for more travel and overnight plans away from Twickenham, but as always we know your #WearTheRose support will be just as passionate and supportive as always.

Eddie Jones signs up

Building up towards the NatWest 6 Nations we were welcomed with the news our commander in chief, Eddie Jones, has signed a new two year extension to his contract, taking him up to 2021.

As you can imagine this was fantastic news for the England Rugby fan base, not so much for the wider rugby world. With a record of one defeat in twenty three, the squad is set up nicely for the challenges ahead. Eddie went on to say:

“Coaching England is a dream job for me, and I was delighted to be asked to stay on after Rugby World Cup 2019. “These are exciting times for English Rugby, with a focussed and committed squad who are full of potential and determined to win. I will continue to work as hard as I can to make England the world’s best rugby team.”

Committing the head coach to a longer contract sends a clear message to the team, the job is only half done and the target remains the same. Number one in the world awaits.

Red Roses focus on back-to-back Grand Slams

The rise of women’s rugby continues going into 2018 with all of the Red Roses’ Six Nations games set to be broadcast on Sky Sports. They’ll be looking to be the first team to win back-to-back Grand Slams – and it’s very achievable. As we saw in 2017, the Red Roses were too strong, but a lot has happened in the past year and the highly competitive Women’s Rugby World Cup threw out a few surprises and improved performances.

As always O2 will be alongside both England teams every step of the way during the NatWest 6 Nations and you can keep up to date by following us on O2 Sports social channels Twitter and Instagram. Keep showing your amazing support.  Love the game, #WearTheRose.

The post England Rugby ready to tackle the NatWest 6 Nations appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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by Ann Pickering, HR Director at O2

This week Theresa May used her DAVOS speech to announce the UK launch of the Institute of Coding, citing it as an important initiative to get the UK “on the front foot in seizing the opportunities of technology for tomorrow”.

It’s a mission that is now told by many leaders – and is one that I have pursued for a number of years – but it still remains one of my biggest priorities at O2.

That’s why I’m proud to say our business will be playing an integral role in the Institute, working together with more than 60 leadings universities, businesses and industry experts to help create the next generation of digital specialists.

Why do I think this remains such an important issue?

The role and importance of digital skills in a practical working environment cannot be understated. The government recently predicted that within 20 years 90% of all jobs will require some element of digital skills.

As our thriving digital economy grows, there will be even greater demand for people with specialist digital skills such as the ones that can be learned from sites like beautifycode.net, and equally, the individuals with those skills will need practical working experience.

But, taking this a step further, I also firmly believe that of all the digital ingredients that keep our economy and society moving and growing, top of the list is mobile. That’s why I think it’s vital to have a mobile company in the institute and it’s why we’ve got our O2 Lab team already working to provide meaningful mobile opportunities and experiences for these talented computer science students.

To meet the UK’s demand for digitally skilled professionals, we have to keep improving and supporting the development of these skills, and we will only get there if we do it together, in consortiums just like the Institute of Coding.

In 2018, I’d like to see every business look at how they are supporting the development of our next generation and bridging the digital skills gap. It’s crucial for our future and, I believe that if we act now, and act together, we can get it right.

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MOBILE is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to stabilise and strengthen our economy. Join us on our mission to make mobile a national priority. Mobile moves Britain, so Britain needs to move mobile. 

The post Getting Britain ‘on the front foot’ with the Institute of Coding appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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