Telefonica’s O2 UK expanded its 5G network to an additional 13 locations, taking its total footprint to 20 cities following initial launch in October 2019.

The company said in a statement it achieved the feat by the end of 2019, in line with its target set for the year.

It now has a goal to raise the number of locations to 50 by mid-2020.

O2 followed rivals EE and Vodafone in launching its 5G network across the country almost three months ago. 3 UK also entered the 5G fray in 2019, heating up the battle between the UK’s four operators.

O2 has attempted to sweeten its offer by pledging not to charge a premium on its 5G plans, keeping prices in line with its 4G tariffs, while it also offers unlimited data plans and a range of flexible tariff options.

Offering further details on its 5G network, the company said its 5G play supplements its existing 4G connectivity, which is currently available in 19,000 cities, towns and villages across the country.

To help with the switch to 5G and improve coverage, O2 revealed it invests more than £2 million a day in its network.

The company also said it is working with numerous businesses across different sectors including construction, retail, transport and utility to understand the benefits of the technology and test next-generation use cases including autonomous vehicles, smart ambulances and remote AR.