Virgin Media O2 is set to deploy temporary masts at 29 major events and festivals, as well as in 12 of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations this summer. These masts, known as Cells on Wheels (COWs), will boost capacity in the busiest areas, ensuring O2 customers have reliable connectivity wherever they are.

For the first time, these COWs will be powered by environmentally friendly hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), making them Virgin Media O2’s greenest yet. This switch to sustainable power is expected to save 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, comparable to the annual energy use of over 530 homes.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2 emphasised on this sustainable initiative, stating that “…our greenest ever pop-up mobile masts will help millions of customers stay connected sustainably this summer” and reiterated the group’s determination towards a more eco-friendly future by “…providing reliable connectivity and helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.”

Virgin Media O2’s green COWs have already supported major events like Glastonbury, Silverstone, and British Summer Time, with more to come at Reading & Leeds and Latitude festivals. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals, including a 23% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions last year, and a target to cut these emissions by 60% by 2025.