New locations on its network include Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Doncaster and Southampton. It has likewise increased its 5G ‘footprint’ in London, Birmingham and Glasgow, while also “monitoring key sites including hospitals and supermarkets” to maintain connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking of the current demand for broadband, a spokesperson for O2 said: “The focus on superfast connectivity is at an all-time high [due to] lockdown. Customers [are also] continuing to transition to the network via new handsets.

“O2 will continue to roll out 5G where customers need it, with urban areas receiving added coverage through more cell sites, in-building solutions and small-cell deployments.” (For more on increased data demand during COVID-19, see this issue’s special feature, starting on page 22).

O2 chief operating officer Derek McManus said: “We are delighted with the progress of our 5G roll-out, and to be able to offer customers in over 150 locations the benefits of our high-speed network.

“Once again, we are facing tough lockdown restrictions, and O2 is focused on ensuring we meet the attendant demand for increased network capacity and reliability. We’re also proud to be leading the charge from an environmental point of view, with 67 per cent of our estate now powered by renewable energy.”

In other O2-related broadband coverage news, the company - alongside Three and Vodafone - is building 222 new 4G mobile masts in UK rural areas. According to the company, this will help deliver the first phase of the government-backed Shared Rural Network initiative, while at the same time virtually eliminating 'partial not spots'.