O2 UK Deploys 4G and 5G Freshwave Small Cells to 13 Sites in Cornwall

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today continued to boost the provider’s 4G and 5G mobile (mobile broadband) capacity and coverage by deploying Freshwave’s small cells across 13 holiday resort locations in Cornwall (South West England). Most of these are being deployed across the towns of St Ives and Newquay.

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

The latest batch of small cells have already been deployed at key points in both towns, including at the Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches in St Ives, and Tolcarne beach and the train station in Newquay, but more will shortly be added. O2 currently has the largest small cell deployment of any operator in the UK, recently installing its 2,000^th site, although EE have also deployed quite a few.

Dr Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said:

“Cornwall is a beautiful part of the country and an extremely popular tourist destination in the summer. These new small cells serve some of the busiest areas in Cornwall and will ensure that O2 customers have a reliable mobile experience whether they’re streaming on the beach, having a pasty, or eating an ice cream.

Our Mobile Transformation Plan will see us invest around £700m into our mobile network this year to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”