Bus shelters with built in small-cell connectivity have been introduced for the first time in the UK.
Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave and media group Clear Channel UK have collaborated on the pilot solution, which delivers enhanced 4G mobile signal to specially modified bus shelters in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
It comes as greater demand is placed on mobile networks through many people using the same macrocell – typically a tower or antenna providing wider coverage – in busy areas such as high street bus stops. The addition of small cells (low-powered cellular radio access nodes used to extend service coverage or increase network capacity) to the bus stops gives users better speeds and capacity in the immediate area around the cell.
It demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be used to host mobile equipment, a faster and easier alternative to building new assets for mobile network operators. It also creates “less clutter” on high streets, according to Freshwave.
The shelters are managed by Clear Channel UK and have been installed on behalf of Virgin Media O2 (VMO2). Small cell technology from any provider can be installed on Clear Channel UK’s bus shelters where demand requires it, and 5G-ready technology will be added to shelters in the same borough in the near future.
“I’m proud of our constant engineering and design innovations, as well as the way we collaborate in new ways with industry partners and local authorities,” says Simon Frumkin, CEO at Freshwave (pictured, left). “Smart cities and towns need new approaches to digital connectivity. And the more existing street assets that can be used to bring this to our towns, the better it is for both the mobile network operators and the customers and communities they serve. This is why we’re already working on a multi-operator, multi-technology design for bus shelter use too.”
Adds Will Ramage, Co-Managing Director at Clear Channel UK: “We’re glad Freshwave is the first organisation to have seized this opportunity with us, and it’s been great working with the team for this pilot. Helping to provide mobile connectivity plays a big part in our platform for good commitment to the public, and we’re excited to support this technology in lots of other communities around the UK.”
Pete Hollebon, Radio Network Engineering – Outdoor Small Cell and Microcell Delivery Lead at VMO2, adds: “Collaboration with partners such as Freshwave and Clear Channel is crucial to delivering the best possible network experience for our customers. This industry-first achievement provides us with new options when it comes to our continual network improvements and we’re looking forward to adding the technology to further sites.”
