EE launched first outdoor small cell network in the UK

EE mobile users in the City of London can now enjoy enhanced 4G and 5G coverage along Queen Victoria Street thanks to an innovative connectivity pilot led by Freshwave.

Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave’s new mobile infrastructure is shareable and capable of delivering 4G and 5G for all four mobile network operators (MNOs). EE is live on the network.

In busy areas, 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, making them ideal for enhancing mobile connectivity in densely populated areas. 5G technology also means networks must be densified, and these are the first 5G outdoor small cells to be installed in the City of London.

The first-of-its-kind network’s shareable infrastructure reduces equipment and infrastructure duplication, making it more cost-effective to deploy, while also lessening the environmental impact and minimising street clutter and disruption. The network uses a centralised radio access network and, by housing multiple pieces of telecoms equipment in accompanying cabinets, fewer devices are needed on the street assets themselves. The network uses dark fibre built by Netomnia.

With mobile usage expected to keep rising, particularly in line with emerging 5G-driven technologies, the value of deployments like these will exponentially grow as they future-proof networks against evolving capacity requirements – ensuring customers continue to benefit from the best speeds and minimal latency regardless of demand.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “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“.