Blackpool is next in line for O2 5G coverage - this is when it could be rolled out

And while Blackpool has missed out this time around, the company said the resort is lined up amongst several other places as the next to the connected.

The firm first launched 5G – which offers superfast internet speeds – in some UK sites in October, and has now expanded its network to cover customers in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bradford, Sheffield, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, Bristol, Derby, and Stoke.

The expansion takes the Spanish-owned firm’s network to a total of 20 locations across the UK over the year.

In October, O2 launched the 5G service in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Leeds and Slough, before switching on 5G hotspots in Leicester and Lisburn a month later.

O2 commenced its 5G rollout after rival operators EE, Vodafone and Three started their services earlier in the year.

Derek McManus, chief operating officer of O2 parent company Telefonica UK, said: “We were incredibly proud to switch on our 5G network in October, and it is brilliant to hit our target of 20 towns and cities connected to our next-generation network as we head into 2020.

“I believe 5G is going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society.

“We’re excited about getting it into the hands of our customers across the UK and continuing to work with our partners to help shape the future of 5G for the next generation.”

The operator said it plans to reach 50 locations across the UK by summer 2020 and is investing more than £2 million a day into expanding its network. Blackpool, Windsor, Eton, Reading, Bournemouth and Guildford are next.