Customers of mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) in the city of Bristol are starting to benefit from the deployment of a new 4G based small cell mobile (mobile broadband) network, which reflects a recent partnership with Cellnex UK and the Bristol City Council (BCC) in England.
Small cells are mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which have been designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around +/- 100 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites – it’s not uncommon to find these discreetly sitting on top of lampposts, 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).
In the case of Bristol, the local council has provided access to lampposts for Cellnex UK to install the technology used by O2 to increase its mobile network coverage and capacity. The rollout marks the beginning of a sustained programme to deliver high quality connectivity over 25 sites across the city, 12 of which are now live, with the remainder due to go live in the “coming weeks“.
Cellnex UK claims to be the “UK’s largest independent telecoms infrastructure provider“, with the Bristol sites forming part of the 1,200 small cells the business has now deployed across the country.
Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director of Cellnex UK, said:
“In today’s increasingly digital world, it is crucial for our towns and cities across the UK to keep up. Small cell technology allows us to deliver localised mobile connectivity precisely where it is needed to meet the growing demand and expectation from customers. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Bristol City Council and VMO2 as we enhance connectivity across the city.”
Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul at VMO2, said:
“At Virgin Media O2, our customers are at the heart of everything we do and these small cells will significantly improve their mobile network experience in the city of Bristol. We are committed to ensuring that our customers can fully benefit from seamless connectivity wherever they are, by continuing to invest in our network to support this.”
The news isn’t unexpected, as several of ISPreview’s readers had already spotted the new small cells showing up around Bristol last month. Not to mention that O2 and other mobile operators have also been deploying similar networks in many other urban areas, albeit often alongside different partners (e.g. Ontix). Some are even capable of using 5G Standalone (SA) technology, such as in Birmingham city centre (here).