O2 has launched four new 4G and 5G outdoor small cells in Canterbury.
Strengthening mobile connectivity in some of the city’s busiest commercial and visitor areas, the deployment was delivered by connectivity infrastructure provider Freshwave, working closely with Kent County Council (KCC).
The small cells have been installed in areas including Clocktower Square and the Whitefriars retail quarter, where demand for mobile services is high.
Freshwave delivered the deployment under an open access agreement with KCC, which allows local authorities to work with multiple mobile network operators by providing access to suitable council-owned street assets.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, David Wimble, 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.”
Freshwave, Mobile Network Operator Account Director, Neil Barnes, added: “We’re pleased to have collaborated with Kent County Council and O2 to enhance connectivity for O2 customers in some of Canterbury’s busiest destinations.
“Working in partnership is key to delivering mobile connectivity, and these new small cells demonstrate how local authorities and industry can work together to improve coverage where people need it most.”
O2, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, Professor Rob Joyce, concluded: “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.”
This comes as the company has signed more than 40 open access agreements with local authorities and has deployed more than 800 small cells on behalf of mobile network operators.
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