Bradford, Coventry most data hungry cities in September: O2

O2 has shared insights from its network showing data consumption has increased in September by as much as 50% in Bradford as it enters its third month of local restrictions.

Other cities with significant rises include Coventry (47%), Hull, Norwich and Nottingham (all 42%). O2 has also mapped data traffic spikes during key moments for the country since the start of lockdown, including government speeches on lockdowns. O2 continues to commit key network investment that will help to rebuild Britain.

Data from O2’s network reveals some cities recently saw up to 50% increase in data consumption compared to the same period the previous year. Cities with some of the most significant rises in data consumption were:

Bradford: +50%
Coventry: +47%
Hull: +42%
Norwich: +42%
Nottingham: +42%
Derby: +41%
Leicester: +40%
Sheffield: +36%
Aberdeen: +35%
Bournemouth: +34%

Since the start of lockdown O2 has upgraded 4G capacity in over 8,800 postcodes across these cities, including 1,600 in Bradford, 1,300 in Sheffield and 1,200 in Hull. This means less network congestion, faster download speeds and web browsing, an improved social media experience, and less video stalling. The commitment to keeping people connected has been supported by over 12,000 visits from O2 field engineers to keep local sites across the country online.

As people increasingly relied on technology to keep them connected with loved ones, O2 found that data traffic spikes since lockdown have coincided with key moments for the country, including the end of the Premier League season, the Champions League final and the Government’s lockdown announcement at the end of April.

As restrictions continue to be imposed, these insights show the value that mobile has brought and will continue to bring during the global pandemic. O2’s Self Organising Network (SON) makes 22,000 autonomous and immediate customer-led network decisions daily to ensure customers get the best possible experience.

Brendan O’Reilly Chief Technology Officer for O2, commented: “Mobile connectivity has become a true lifeline for many and will continue to play a vital role in keeping Britain connected. We remain committed to doing everything we can to help our customers stay in contact with their colleagues, friends and loved ones during this challenging period.”