O2 UK deploy outdoor 4G and 5G mobile Small Cells in Canterbury

Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) and network connectivity provider Freshwave have this morning revealed that they’ve successfully deployed a total of four new 4G and 5G capable outdoor Small Cells to boost network coverage across busy areas of Canterbury 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.).

The outdoor small cells in Canterbury are being deployed in the city centre in areas such as Clocktower Square and the Whitefriars retail quarter. The work has been supported by Freshwave’s open access agreement with the Kent County Council (KCC), which are non-exclusive, allowing local authorities to work with multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) and grant access to the use of their street assets for digital connectivity.

Freshwave have so far signed more than 40 open access agreements with local authorities around the UK and have deployed more than 800 small cells on behalf of various mobile operators.

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

“Kent is home to some of the UK’s most historic and popular destinations, with Canterbury welcoming visitors throughout the year. These new small cells will help support residents, businesses and visitors in some of the busiest areas, providing O2 customers with a reliable mobile experience whether they’re exploring landmarks, enjoying local attractions, or staying connected on the go.”

David Wimble, KCC’s Cabinet Member, said:

“Reliable mobile connectivity is an essential part of modern life, and we welcome the investment from O2 and collaboration with Freshwave. Improving this vital infrastructure in Canterbury will help residents, businesses and visitors stay connected. By working with our partners to make suitable council assets available, we’re helping to bring better mobile coverage and faster, more reliable connections to the places where people need them most.”

The deployment also 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.