EE has launched 25 new sites on Freshwave’s mobile infrastructure in the City of London.
The small cell project was initially trialled and has now gone live, adding capacity and improving the 4G and 5G network experience for EE mobile users in the financial district.
Dozens of additional new sites for EE are also being built and will enhance mobile connectivity in more of the Square Mile when they are activated.
EE was the first MNO to go live on the network in December 2022. Across all of the sites involved in the initial pilot, 7.5TB of data is downloaded per week.
Freshwave’s solution enables the network to accommodate all four MNOs on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments needed to the infrastructure. The solution features specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and extensive dark fibre to each cabinet.
As a neutral host, Freshwave operates the network deploying shareable infrastructure, reducing equipment duplication and creating a more cost-effective solution. This approach also minimises street clutter and the associated disruption during street works. Shareable infrastructure also reduces the environmental impact, while assuring the mobile connectivity people expect.
The 25 new live sites are strategically located throughout the Square Mile, including notable landmarks such as outside St Paul’s Cathedral, Cannon Street and the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street.
Outdoor small cells are installed at street level, which make them ideal for adding capacity to mobile networks. In busy urban areas, where large numbers of people use their mobiles simultaneously, demand on the macro network can be substantial. Outdoor small cells help alleviate some of this demand, relieving the macro network and ensuring a better user experience.
Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said, “We believe that multi-operator, shareable digital infrastructure is the future of mobile connectivity. Our unique approach allows the mobile network operators to enhance their networks where they need it most with minimal disruption for the surrounding communities and we’re looking forward to continuing to expand the network.”
James Hope, director of mobile radio access networks at EE, said, “With our customers using more data than ever we’re committed to ensuring they enjoy the same great experience with EE in more places. Outdoor small cells are an important part of our mobile network and we’re happy to be extending our work with Freshwave using their cutting-edge approach.”
Shravan Joshi, chairman of the planning and transportation committee at the City of London Corporation, said, “The Square Mile is a world-leading business and leisure location in a dense urban environment. People expect to have world-class connectivity and be able to stay in touch as they move around. We’re thrilled to see the network being extended in this way.”