Freshwave brings connectivity from all four mobile network operators to City of London skyscraper 8 Bishopsgate

8 bishopsgate building in London surrounded by a digitally placed Freshwave orb to showcase better connectivity

Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave, working with real estate technology specialists Electracom Projects, has brought 4G connectivity from all four mobile network operators (MNOs) to 8 Bishopsgate. 8 Bishopsgate is the latest flagship City of London development of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stanhope PLC. The 50-storey tower offers more than 900,000 sq ft of space, 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.

Freshwave designed and deployed a 4G distributed antenna system (DAS) to provide assured connectivity for everyone in the building, no matter which mobile network they use. Freshwave are supporting the system via an ongoing managed service. As well as delivering mobile coverage for the landlord areas, occupiers can also connect to the service thanks to an innovative commercial model agreed between 8 Bishopsgate, Freshwave and Electracom. Sixteen occupiers have already opted into the service.

Modern building materials often block mobile signal from entering from outdoors, making an in-building system essential to support the ubiquitous mobile connectivity people expect today. The DAS connects securely into the MNOs’ networks, guaranteeing the quality of 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.”

Nick Seaton, Director at Electracom Projects, said: “8 Bishopsgate is a smart building and the advanced technology it contains will be of great benefit to both its staff and occupiers. A mobile app allows people to do everything, from accessing the building itself to booking rooms and event spaces, so we knew we needed reliable mobile signal. We’re proud to be working on this prestigious project for Stanhope and happy to partner with Freshwave on mobile connectivity.”

Dan Ward, Senior Development Director at Stanhope, said: “We’re committed to providing a superlative experience for our occupiers across every facet of 8 Bishopsgate, from the physical surroundings to the amenities they enjoy. Seamless mobile provision is an important part of our exceptional technology offer.”

8 Bishopsgate has 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. The building is designed by award-winning architects WilkinsonEyre.

Find out more about how we work with property developers and landlords.