UK First: Virgin Media O2 and IONX Networks Deploy Live 5G SA Neutral Host Network

LONDON, UK – November 03, 2025 – Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) and IONX Networks have jointly announced the successful integration of IONX’s neutral host small cell technology into VMO2’s live 5G Standalone (SA) network – a UK first. The deployment signifies a major step forward in network densification and shared infrastructure, promising to unlock wider 5G coverage and boost capacity while reducing deployment costs.

Rethinking Network Infrastructure with Neutral Host Technology

The traditional model of mobile network infrastructure, with each operator building and maintaining its own dedicated sites, is becoming increasingly unsustainable. As demand for data continues to soar, operators face mounting pressure to expand coverage, particularly in dense urban areas and indoor environments. Neutral host networks offer an alternative, allowing multiple operators to share a single infrastructure, reducing duplication and driving down costs.

“The economics of building and maintaining individual networks are becoming increasingly challenging,” explained a source familiar with the project. “Sharing infrastructure is not just about cost savings; it’s about accelerating deployment and enabling new services.”

IONX Networks, formerly known as Dense Air, specializes in providing Neutral Host-as-a-Service solutions, managing the infrastructure and allowing multiple mobile network operators to access it. Their software-defined architecture facilitates seamless integration and optimization of network resources. The company’s recent rebranding to IONX reflects its focus on delivering optimized network experiences.

VMO2 and IONX: A Pioneering Partnership

VMO2 has been at the forefront of exploring innovative network solutions, including the adoption of neutral host technology. The company’s commitment to expanding 5G SA coverage, reaching over 70% of the UK population across 500 towns and cities, drove the partnership with IONX. The recent deployment marks a critical milestone in VMO2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, involving a substantial investment of approximately £700 million in 2025.

The integration of IONX’s small cells into VMO2’s live 5G SA network involved the utilization of shared spectrum and a fully managed service model. Testing has demonstrated impressive results, with download speeds reaching 800 Mb/s and upload speeds of 80 Mb/s. The deployment adheres to the UK’s Joint Operator Technical Specification (JOTS) framework, ensuring interoperability and compliance with industry standards.

“This is a game-changer for how we deploy 5G,” said a source at VMO2. “It allows us to rapidly densify our network in areas where traditional deployments would be too costly or impractical.”

The Broader Implications for the UK’s 5G Future

The success of the VMO2 and IONX deployment has broader implications for the future of 5G in the UK. As demand for data-intensive applications continues to grow, operators will increasingly look for innovative ways to expand coverage and capacity. Neutral host networks offer a viable solution, enabling more efficient use of spectrum and infrastructure.

The JOTS framework plays a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of neutral host technology. By establishing common technical specifications, JOTS ensures interoperability between different operators and promotes a competitive market. The framework is designed to be adaptable to future technologies, including 5G and beyond.

Other UK mobile network operators are also exploring neutral host solutions. Cornerstone, in partnership with Signify and IONX, is deploying a small cell network utilizing Oxford’s street lighting network. Companies like Freshwave and Proptivity are providing in-building neutral host solutions. The market is witnessing a clear shift towards shared infrastructure and collaborative network deployments.

“We are moving towards a more sustainable and efficient model for mobile network infrastructure,” noted an industry analyst. “Sharing infrastructure is not just about cost savings; it’s about unlocking new opportunities and delivering better connectivity for consumers and businesses.”

The partnership between VMO2 and IONX represents a significant step forward in realizing the full potential of 5G in the UK, paving the way for wider coverage, increased capacity, and a more connected future.