O2 UK and Freshwave Expand 4G and 5G Mobile Small Cells in Guildford

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) and technology partner Freshwave have today revealed that they’re working with the Surrey County Council (SCC) in England to expanded their 4G and 5G mobile (mobile broadband) network coverage across Guildford City Centre. This is being achieved via the deployment of 13 new outdoor small cells.

Freshwave’s small cells are akin to small shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations that 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 council managed lampposts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (more cost-effective than building new street assets).

Nine of the new small cell units are already live and enhancing connectivity in busy public areas around central Guildford, benefiting residents, businesses and visitors. The small cells have been strategically placed in high-demand areas including the high street, around Guildford Castle and near Guildford Station. The remaining cells will soon follow.

Professor Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, said:

“This small cell deployment in Guildford is a great example of our £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan in action. We’re bringing faster, more reliable connectivity to busy public spaces to meet record network demand, with targeted deployments delivering real benefits for communities.”

Freshwave have so far deployed more than 800 outdoor small cells across the UK on behalf of the mobile operators who want to boost community connectivity for their customers, although it should be said that mobile providers also work with a number of other small cell companies (e.g. Ontix).