EE UK First to Trial Freshwave’s Small Cell 5G Network in London

Mobile giant EE (BT) has officially become the first operator to make use of Freshwave‘s deployment of a new small cell based outdoor 4G and 5G mobile network in the central City of London area, which is currently in the pilot phase. O2 (VMO2) and Vodafone are expected to follow.

We first reported on Freshwave’s rollout in May 2022, at which point they said the plan was to build the 5G network across the Square Mile area of London by the end of 2022 (here). All of this reflects the delivery of a pilot for concession holders Cornerstone, which itself dates back to a 2017 agreement, when the City of London (CoL) Corp signed a 15-year contract for the construction and management of a new small cell network – jointly awarded to O2 (VMO2) and Cornerstone (here).

Fast-forward to today and the new 10-site pilot is currently only active along the Queen Victoria Street area, which is intended to help demonstrate that the mobile infrastructure can support the requirements of the four licensed mobile network operators. EE is the first to go live on this new network, although Virgin Media O2 aims to follow in “early 2023” and Vodafone is tipped to join the pilot sometime during Q1 2023.

In busy areas such as city centres, the number of people using mobile devices can create high demand on the macro sites serving that area. Outdoor small cells installed at street level process some of that demand themselves, making them useful for enhancing mobile connectivity in densely populated areas. Operators would normally need to each deploy their own kit, which is expensive, but in this setup they can just share what Freshwave has built and also reduce street clutter.

Freshwave designed a bespoke solution for the pilot, which can accommodate all four mobile network operators on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments to the infrastructure needed. The solution consists of specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and large amounts of dark fibre cables to each cabinet (i.e. data capacity feeds that are being setup by full fibre broadband builder Netomnia). The network also uses a centralised [cloud] radio access network (C-RAN) setup.

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said:

“We’re delighted to have reached this milestone in the pilot of our truly multi-operator neutral host network. Shared digital infrastructure is the logical evolution in telecoms as cities become more connected and smarter. Companies like Freshwave that deploy using the neutral host model help accelerate this connectivity for everyone as the model is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive. I’m proud Freshwave are doing what’s right by all parties in this area.”

James Hope, EE’s Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks, said:

“High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks continuing to rise. We’re pleased to be the first operator live on this pilot with Freshwave helping to deliver the best possible 4G and 5G services to our City of London customers, even at the busiest times. The project is a further demonstration of how we’re enhancing our networks to help both digitise and deliver economic prosperity to the UK, and we look forward to extending it in the future.”

Shoebox sized small cells are like mini mobile base stations, which have been designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 80-120 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas or specific sites. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lampposts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (often more cost-effective than building new street assets or trying to secure wayleaves on buildings etc.).

The CoL has previously indicated that the full deployment, which could stretch across the City of London area, is expected to complete by the end of 2023.