Leeds one of six locations for O2 to launch 5G network

The city is just one of six locations in the UK to be first to receive the higher-speed connection.

O2 is the latest network to launch 5G off the back of rivals EE, Vodafone and Three earlier this year.

The operator says it is piloting the updated network in the UK's four capital cities - London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff - as well as Leeds and the Berkshire town of Slough.

Areas of high footfall will be the initial focus for rolling out 5G, O2 said, with Leeds' Trinity shopping centre the first to be connected.

5G technology is thought to offer internet speeds several times faster than current technology 4G.

Mark Evans, chief executive of O2 parent company Telefonica said: "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.

"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 said that the latest network launch of 5G would help to make the UK a leader in the technology industry.

"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," he said.

"This investment by O2 is a great step forward in rolling out the technology across our home nations, providing world-class infrastructure to help us grow our economy and compete strongly."