O2 UK and Freshwave boost outdoor 5G mobile in Wigan via 10 Small Cells

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) and connectivity provider Freshwave have today announced that they’ve boosted outdoor 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) signal coverage in busy parts of Wigan (Greater Manchester) by deploying ten new Small Cells. In addition, they’ve also separately improved indoor signals (for all operators) at three council-operated buildings.

Small cells are typically mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 to 200 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites or events – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lamp posts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (i.e. they can be more cost-effective than building new street assets or trying to secure wayleaves on buildings etc.).

Freshwave said they’ve been working with O2 to deploy ten of their 4G/5G outdoor small cells around high-demand areas in Wigan, such as outside Wigan Library and outside Wigan Wallgate Station, to boost connectivity for the operator’s customers.

In addition, they’ve also worked with the Wigan Council’s dedicated IT services partner, Agilisys, to deploy indoor small cells via their Omni Network to cover three council-operated buildings – the Wigan Life Centre North and South buildings, as well as Wigan Town Hall. This is a dedicated multi-operator in-building system.

James Winterbottom, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Wigan Council, said:

“Improving residents’ experiences when accessing our buildings is incredibly important to us, and the collaboration with Freshwave on better connectivity across our public spaces has enabled just that. Residents visit our life centres and libraries for a range of services and activities to boost their health and wellbeing, whether spending time in the gym or attending one of our TechMate tea parties to improve their digital confidence. Having better access online means a more convenient, enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone.”

Nicola Mortali, Public Sector Director at Freshwave, said:

“Bringing dedicated mobile connectivity indoors is about more than just signal strength; it’s about enabling people to work, learn, and access services seamlessly. Strong mobile coverage in civic buildings means smoother operations, better access to digital services, and a more productive and connected environment for everyone.

We’re also pleased to be working with O2 to bring extra capacity for their customers to Wigan. Open access agreements speed the deployment of digital infrastructure in communities by helping the mobile operators share council-owned assets for everyone’s benefit.”

The outdoor deployment reflects the ongoing expansion of O2’s wider small cells programme, with the operator saying they’ve already put more than 2,500 sites live nationwide – often alongside kit from Freshwave, Ontix, IONX Networks, Cellnex UK and others.