O2 rivals EE with huge free upgrade for thousands of iPhone and Android fans

Thousands of O2 users heading to Wembley this weekend for the FA Cup final are getting a surprise boost. The UK network has just announced a big upgrade in and around the iconic north London venue, which should mean customers get a much better experience when using their iPhone or Android devices.

O2 is boasting that its latest UK upgrade will mean music and sport fans will benefit from improved reliability and faster speeds. This should even be possible when at busiest times and when the stadium is packed with fans. The network boost will them make it easier for the crowd to share their experience, contact family and friends and navigate digital ticketing and payment seamlessly.

Within the stadium’s stands, concourses, and hospitality areas, O2 customers will be able to use the operator’s next generation 5G standalone network to stream, share and connect in real time, even at full capacity.

Outside the venue, the installation of seven new small cells and the upgrade of two towers in the area is providing enhanced coverage and capacity for residents, businesses and the millions of visitors expected throughout the summer.

Explaining more, Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2 said: “Wembley is one of the UK’s most iconic venues and this summer promises to be one of its biggest in living memory, from the FA Cup Final to the long-awaited return of Oasis.

"Our investment in and around the stadium is designed to give a huge capacity boost to O2 customers attending these events, so they have the best possible experience.”

This update now rivals EE. The network has long boasted about its Wembley Stadium connectivity with it recently adding a bespoke and permanent 5G standalone network at the venue.

Unlike previous 5G technologies, which relied on using 4G infrastructure, 5G standalone – as the name suggests – operates entirely separately, unleashing increased capacity and performance so fans can benefit from more reliable mobile internet, faster loading speeds, and improved video calls - even in busy areas and during major events.