EE has deployed 80 small cells on lamp posts across Westminster, central London, to boost mobile coverage and capacity.
The installation was carried out by Ontix, a company that specialises in deploying and managing small cell networks, fixed wireless access, and public Wi-Fi solutions in urban areas.
The rollout, which supports both 4G and 5G traffic, will densify EE’s mobile network in an area that serves more than 211,000 residents, 50,000 businesses, and attracts over 25 million tourists annually. It is part of EE’s broader network densification strategy aimed at increasing capacity and maintaining its status as London’s best-performing mobile network.
EEThe small cells have been painted to match existing street furniture and were installed in accordance with Westminster’s strict safety, aesthetic, and planning regulations.
“Small cells play a vital role in delivering high-quality connectivity in urban hotspots,” said James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE. “This innovative deployment with Ontix enhances 4G and 5G mobile connectivity for EE customers across Westminster—an area that is not only a political and cultural hub, but also a key commercial and tourist district. It’s another important step in our ongoing efforts to deliver targeted capacity enhancements across the UK.”
The project also represents a significant milestone in the operational delivery of next-generation mobile infrastructure. Ontix implemented a comprehensive pre-staging process, including site-specific testing and performance validation before on-street installation. This approach has reduced time on site, minimised disruption, and improved deployment efficiency in a complex urban environment.
Jamie Olejnik, Head of Delivery Operations at Ontix, said: “From optimising for aesthetics and safety to standardising the build process, we’ve demonstrated how small cells can be deployed quickly, effectively, and in harmony with the streetscape. This programme sets a new benchmark for urban small cell rollouts in the UK.”
Westminster City Council has welcomed the initiative as part of its mission to modernise the borough’s digital infrastructure and support economic development.
“A modern city is powered by wireless broadband, yet too often our residents and visitors struggle to get a signal—especially after dark,” said Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Westminster City Council. “We’re proud to work with EE and Ontix to deliver the next generation of mobile communications infrastructure and ensure Westminster remains connected, competitive, and future-ready.”
The collaboration reflects growing momentum across the UK mobile sector to overcome deployment challenges in densely populated, infrastructure-heavy urban areas by adopting innovative, collaborative approaches with local authorities and neutral hosts.
