O2 has officially launched its 5G mobile services in a host of cities across the UK, with Edinburgh residents among the first to benefit.

The high-speed mobile network will launch in six locations across the country, with Belfast, Cardiff, Leeds, Slough and London joining Edinburgh.

O2 has pledged to launch 5G services in 20 towns and cities by the end of 2019, with 50 expected to benefit from the new services by summer 2020.

Initially, the company said, 5G will be switched on “where it’s needed most” for customers and businesses, including busy footfall areas in London Waterloo and Kings Cross and around Haymarket in Edinburgh.

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O2’s launch follows the roll-out of 5G services by a number of rival operators already this year. Vodafone, Three and EE launched 5G services in a host of locations across the country.

Telefonica UK CEO Mark Evansno nnnnnnnnn commented: “Today is a significant moment for our customers and our business as we switch on the O2 5G network. We’re launching with a range of tariffs that make it easy and fair for customers to access 5G, with flexible plans that cost no more than 4G.

“We’re also switching on 5G in important parts of towns and cities first, places where it will benefit customers and businesses most.”

5G has been dubbed the “next-generation” of mobile network technology and will offer far greater speeds than current 4G network services.

Evans said 5G has transformative potential for businesses and residents across the country and could unlock economic benefits for the UK in the long-term.

He said: “I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society. No one in the country has all the answers today, but I’m excited about getting it into the hands of our customers and working with leading partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”

Digital minister Matt Warman added: “We want the UK to be a global leader in 5G and for the majority of the population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027. This investment by O2 is a great step forward in rolling out the technology across our home nations, providing a world-class infrastructure to help us grow our economy and compete strongly.”