Wireless infrastructure provider Freshwave has teamed-up with Electracom Projects to deliver a 4G mobile signal – from all four mobile network operators (MNOs) – to the 50-storey ‘8 Bishopsgate’ development in the City of London (CoL), which will benefit local businesses inside the property.
The building represents the latest flagship CoL development of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stanhope PLC. The 50-storey tower offers more than 900,000 sq ft of space, some 500,000+ sq ft of which is for offices. It’s also the UK’s tallest BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Outstanding building.
However, one catch with modern buildings like this is that their materials often block or seriously impede mobile signals from entering from outdoors, which can be problematic for users of the building. Freshwave has worked around this by deploying one of their 4G distributed antenna systems (DAS) to provide assured connectivity for everyone in the building, no matter which mobile network they use – supported via an ongoing managed service.
The new connectivity is delivering mobile coverage for the landlord areas, while occupiers can connect to the service via a commercial model agreed between 8 Bishopsgate, Freshwave and Electracom. Sixteen occupiers have already opted into the service.
Brendan Hourihane, Senior Director at Freshwave, said:
“We’re delighted to have delivered connectivity from all four operators to this spectacular building through our valued partners at Electracom Projects. Mobile signal is essential for modern life now, whether it’s for dealmaking in the office or keeping in touch with loved ones, so it’s a must in high-quality buildings such as 8 Bishopsgate to give the best experience.”
8 Bishopsgate is said to also have 75,000 sq ft dedicated to amenity space, which is 10% of the building. This includes a restaurant, café, 7,600 sq ft communal terrace, events space and The Lookout viewing gallery on floor 50, which members of the public can also book viewing tickets for free of charge.