This summer, Virgin Media O2 has made a significant investment in upgrades and temporary sites to keep customers connected at a total of 31 major sports and music events.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, Virgin Media O2 has today announced a further investment at 14 events and festivals across the country including Reading and Leeds, All Points East, South West Four festival – ensuring everyone can stay safe and connected to friends during the summer of freedom.

At Silverstone, the home of British Motor Racing, Virgin Media O2 has delivered 5G across temporary sites in the area. This was key in effectively handling a data traffic increase of 67 per cent at the Grand Prix compared to 2019 – making it the largest ever deployment of its network.

In another showcase of network innovation, Virgin Media O2 is also supporting the world’s first-ever 5G-powered hybrid festival combining elements of live, in-person performance, remote collaboration, and augmented reality. The festival, due to take place early next year, completed another successful round of trials this summer, bringing together a group of artists to play together while physically remote.

“As we all enjoy a well-deserved summer of freedom and fun, Virgin Media O2 is working hard to ensure your connectivity remains uninterrupted as well. We’ve already provided a host of innovations and support to large events – whether that’s bringing extra 5G to support Silverstone or reducing our carbon footprint at the Scottish open with our new T-24 trailer. The summer’s not over yet, and we’re continuing to support customers packing their bags (and maybe wellies) for a host of festivals, including Reading and Leeds this weekend” said Head of Network Experience at Virgin Media O2, Emma Evans.