The first mobile operator has gone live on pioneering shared infrastructure designed to host multiple telcos and improve connectivity along Queen Victoria Street in central London.
EE has joined a connectivity pilot led by Freshwave to deliver enhanced 4G and 5G coverage for users along this busy corridor.
James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said:
“High-capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for both 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. The project demonstrates how we’re enhancing our networks to support digital transformation and economic growth across the UK, and we look forward to expanding this work in future.”
Freshwave designed a bespoke, multi-site infrastructure that spans ten locations and can support 4G and 5G services for all four UK mobile operators—a UK-first for shared urban deployment.
The rollout uses custom wideband antennas, purpose-built cabinets and columns, and significant dark fibre connectivity built by Netomnia to each cabinet to ensure high-capacity backhaul.
Simon Frumkin, CEO of Freshwave, added:
“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in our truly multi-operator neutral host network pilot. Shared digital infrastructure is the natural evolution for telecoms as cities grow smarter and more connected. The neutral host model accelerates connectivity in a way that is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive. I’m proud Freshwave is delivering a solution that benefits all stakeholders in this area.”
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has also signed up to the Freshwave pilot and is expected to go live in early 2023.
Paul Broome, VMO2 London & South-East Trial Manager, said:
“With the largest outdoor small cell network of any major operator, we’re excited to join this pilot with Freshwave. Adding capacity to our existing legacy solution of more than 200 small cells in the City of London will help meet rising data demand. Outdoor small cells are a flexible way to boost connectivity, and we look forward to going live on the network soon.”
High-density urban areas such as London create challenging conditions for mobile networks that can negatively affect user experience. Street-level outdoor small cells help relieve congestion by handling traffic locally and improving capacity and coverage.
The solution was developed in collaboration with all four UK mobile operators and additional industry partners. Vodafone is scheduled to join the pilot in Q1 2023.
Three has been contacted about if and when it plans to participate in the pilot; this article will be updated if a response is received.
(Photo by Nejc Soklič on Unsplash)
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