EE customers can now access enhanced 4G and 5G coverage along Queen Victoria Street, with Virgin Media O2 having also signed up to the pilot and expected to go live early in 2023.
In busy areas such as city centres, the number of people using mobile devices can create high demand on the macro site serving that area. Outdoor small cells installed at street level process some of that demand themselves, enhancing mobile connectivity in densely populated areas.
The 10-site pilot required Freshwave to design a bespoke solution which means the network can accommodate all four mobile network operators on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments to the infrastructure needed. The solution consists of specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and large amounts of dark fibre to each cabinet.
Simon Frumkin, CEO, Freshwave, said, “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone in the pilot of our truly multi-operator neutral host network.
“Shared digital infrastructure is the logical evolution in telecoms as cities become more connected and smarter. The neutral host model helps accelerate connectivity for everyone as the model is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive.”
James Hope, director of mobile radio access networks, EE, added, “High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks continuing to rise.
“We’re pleased to be the first operator live on this pilot with Freshwave helping to deliver the best possible 4G and 5G services to our City of London customers, even at the busiest times.”
Paul Broome, London and South-East trial manager, VMO2, explained, “We’re excited to have signed up for this pilot with Freshwave. Adding extra capacity to our existing legacy solution of over 200 small cells in the City of London will provide further benefit to the ever-increasing data demands of its users.
“Outdoor small cells provide a flexible solution for boosting network connectivity and we’re looking forward to going live on the network very soon.”