O2 has entered into a ‘multi-million pound’ network collaboration with the Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) to bring enhanced mobile connectivity to stadiums, shopping centres, hotels, and conference centres across the UK, ahead of the planned rollout of its 5G network.

“While we look ahead to 5G we also continue to focus on our existing network capability,” said Brendan O’Reilly, chief technology officer at O2. “We strive to deliver a great network experience to all our customers, including some of the UK’s busiest locations where network demand is at its peak. Our multi-million pound investment with our partners at WIG should provide O2 customers with even better connectivity in the places they love to visit.”

Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium and the Lord’s cricket ground have already seen the installation of new mobile infrastructure operated by WIG. Meanwhile, shopping centres across the country have received new or upgraded infrastructure, including the Bentall Centre, Bluewater, Meadowhall, Trafford Centre, and a range of Intu properties in Milton Keynes, Eldon Square, Metrocentre, Lakeside, Derby, Watford, Victoria, and Uxbridge.

On top of those locations, O2 has deployed its mobile services over WIG infrastructure in the Savoy Hotel, The Ned and Pullman hotels, as well as King’s Cross, Canary Wharf, the Leadenhall Building, and ExCel London.

“WIG’s neutral-host infrastructure now enables mobile services in offices, shopping malls, hotels, stadiums and other public venues that total over one billion visitors a year,” said Scott Coates, CEO of Wireless Infrastructure Group. “Neutral host infrastructure can play a vital role enabling 5G and WIG looks forward to expanding our successful partnership with O2.”