Virgin Media O2 unveiled details of its network of small cells across London last week, in an effort to enable the company to accelerate its 4G and 5G rollout. The carrier has constructed more than 1,300 live sites across London all located in high density urban areas. The sites, which typically have a range of 260-400 feet, were installed with the intent of targeting congested areas across the network and adding capacity while minimizing outages.
The technology has been implemented with a number of partners, including Cellnex U.K., Freshwave, Ontix and the City of London. The small cells are usually bolted to existing street furniture, such as lampposts, with intent to avoid the need to build new street infrastructure and provide a quicker, cleaner installation process. In some busier locations, around 20 percent of network traffic flows through small cells rather than the macro layer. The technology uses licensed L18/1800 MHz airwaves, with some initial trial locations using 2.6 GHz spectrum.
In addition, Virgin Media O2 has developed a small cell solution which can be deployed within bus shelters. The trials, created in partnership with Freshwave, involve new small cells connected to the fiber within bus shelters, which are also 5G ready. The antenna on the rooftop has been built for multi-operator use, should there be a demand. In a similar trial, Virgin Media O2 is also testing a new payphone deployment across sites in Westminster with Cellnex U.K.
The company plans to expand its network outside London, with a number of pilots in play across the U.K., and is already working to deploy small cells to support the Commonwealth Games this summer.
Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer for London, said: “This is further good news for London’s digital infrastructure. It comes about through our partnerships on the ground between boroughs and telecommunications, supporting local rollouts. Small cells don’t just mean much better connections, they also boost jobs and growth, helping us to build a better London for everyone. It’s great to see this investment continuing across London.”
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