All aboard! Close collaboration results in the UK’s first 4G connected bus shelters
Freshwave, Clear Channel UK and Virgin Media O2 provide outstanding small cell technology with 4G connected bus shelters in this industry first.
44.2 million
UK connections across broadband, mobile, TV and home phone for VMO2
People in Tower Hamlets can enjoy enhanced 4G mobile signal thanks to bus shelters with built-in small cell connectivity
We collaborated with Clear Channel UK and Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) on a first-of-its-kind design which allows the technology to be seamlessly integrated into bus shelters in Tower Hamlets.
Acting as a neutral host and drawing upon our engineering excellence, we collaborated on a new way to use existing street assets while helping future-proof London’s outdoor small cell infrastructure.
Project type
44.2 million
44.2 million UK connections across broadband, mobile, TV and home phone for VMO2
20,000
Bus shelters owned by Clear Channel UK
1st
We’re the first in the UK to provide 4G assured connectivity via bus shelters
Details
- Customer name
- Pete Hollebon
- Role
- National Delivery – Outdoor Small Cell and Microcell Delivery Lead at Virgin Media O2
- Company
- Virgin Media O2
We’re all about reimagining connectivity, and collaboration with partners like Freshwave is invaluable to us in driving small cell innovation. This industry-first achievement provides us with new options when it comes to our continual network improvements to deliver the best possible network experience for our customers. We’re looking forward to scaling the technology to further sites.
Alternative assets for greater connectivity with a standardised approach
Outdoor small cells are increasingly being used to fill mobile coverage gaps and increase access to top data speeds and capacity in busy urban areas. The jointly created, standardised design for the bus shelters streamlines the process for the mobile network operators, helping their resources go further in boosting localised customer connectivity where it’s needed most.
Small cell technology in situ
The ability for Clear Channel UK’s bus shelters to host mobile technology provides a whole new set of options and locations for the MNOs, and our existing relationship with Clear Channel UK allows us to access the assets quickly. The small cell technology is connected to the fibre around the bus shelter and is 5G-ready, with cabling linked through the antenna on the bus shelters. We provide ongoing support for the small cell technology infrastructure, assuring connectivity. Maintenance work is conducted on site or remotely depending on the need.
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Outdoor small cells
Outdoor small cells enhance mobile coverage in busy urban areas where the number of people and things using the signal may put too much demand on the nearest mast. The cells can often be added to existing street assets like lamp posts.
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