Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) and network connectivity provider Freshwave have this morning revealed that they’ve successfully deployed a total of four new 4G and 5G capable outdoor Small Cells to boost network coverage across busy areas of Canterbury in Kent (England), delivering faster mobile broadband and more reliable calling etc.
Small cells are mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 to 200 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites or events – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lamp posts, 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 etc.).
The outdoor small cells in Canterbury are being deployed in the city centre in areas such as Clocktower Square and the Whitefriars retail quarter. The work has been supported by Freshwave’s open access agreement with the Kent County Council (KCC), which are non-exclusive, allowing local authorities to work with multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) and grant access to the use of their street assets for digital connectivity.