O2 customers finally get the news they've been waiting for as network takes aim at rivals

O2 HAS just revealed its 5G plans with the network confirming it will switch on superfast speeds later this year. O2 now joins EE, Vodafo...

O2 HAS just revealed its 5G plans with the network confirming it will switch on superfast speeds later this year.

O2 now joins EE, Vodafone and Three Mobile in announcing its plans for 5G.

The UK network has just confirmed that it will switch on these superfast speeds in October with six areas the first to get access to a better connection.

At launch, O2's 5G service will be live in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Slough.

This will then be followed by more areas throughout 2019 and into next year.

O2 says it intelligence-led rollout strategy has been driven by data and insight that identifies where customers will benefit from 5G the most.

This means users of the network are most likely to see improvements in key locations including train stations, important business areas and entertainment and sports venues including The O2 and Twickenham Stadium.

“5G is going to be a game changer for our country. Whether it’s for people or businesses, the power of this next-generation network is going to unlock a world of possibilities for our economy and society," said Mark Evans, CEO, Telefónica UK.

“As we switch on our network across the country, our intelligence-led roll-out prioritises the key areas in towns and cities first - the places where our customers need, and will use, 5G the most.

"We’re also giving our customers maximum flexibility with our industry-leading custom plans, letting people adopt 5G at a time that’s right for them.”

O2 is currently staying tight-lipped about pricing but it has revealed that those on custom plans can move to 5G at any time they chose.

There will also be the flexibility to trade in an existing non-5G handset and take out a new 5G handset and tariff any time after launch.

Along with 5G, O2 is boasting that will continue upgrading its 4G network across the country meaning everyone should experience better speeds in the future.

Although there's no official word on how fast O2's 5G signal will be, the company has told Express.co.uk that it has seen test speeds exceed 1Gbps.

At that rate, you'll be able to download a full HD movie in under a minute.

However, although that sounds impressive, its likely real-world speeds will be push more towards 300 - 400Mbps.

If you are an O2 customer and want to switch to 5G then expect more news to be announced in the autumn.

This is when the firm will likely reveal full details including pricing, data plans and which handsets will be available.

Here's full details on when you'll be able to see these new speeds in your area.

At launch O2 5G will be live in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Slough.

By the end of 2019 O2 will have 5G in the following 20 towns and cities:

Belfast • Blackpool • Bournemouth • Bristol • Cardiff • Coventry • Derby • Edinburgh • Eton • Guildford • Leeds • Leicester • Lisburn • London • Norwich • Nottingham • Reading • Slough • Stoke • Windsor

By summer 2020, O2 is planning on network rollout in an additional 30 towns and cities – reaching 50 in total.

O2 is planning on deploying to the following locations with details of the rest to follow later this year:

Aberdeen • Bradford • Brighton • Birkenhead • Birmingham • Cambridge •. Glasgow • Hove • Kingston • Liverpool • Luton • Manchester • Milton Keynes • Newbury • Newcastle • Northampton • Plymouth • Portsmouth • Sheffield • Southampton • Sunderland • Warrington • Wolverhampton