O2 UK boost outdoor 4G and 5G mobile with Small Cells in Tonbridge

Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) and network connectivity provider Freshwave have today confirmed the successfully deployment of five new 4G and 5G capable outdoor Small Cells to boost network coverage across busy areas of Tonbridge in Kent (England), delivering faster mobile broadband and more reliable calling etc.

Small cells are 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.).

In this case the new small cells have gone live across the town centre area of Tonbridge. The 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.

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

“Mobile data usage continues to grow year after year, making it increasingly important that we invest in infrastructure which can keep pace with customer demand.

These new small cells will provide additional capacity in some of Tonbridge’s busiest locations, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected. We are grateful for the support of Tom Tugendhat MP and our local partners in helping make this deployment possible.”