Freshwave pilots City of London 4G and 5G connectivity with EE

EE is now live on Freshwave’s neutral host network, with Virgin Media O2 and Vodaone also joining the pilot and expected to go live in 2023

Freshwave has created a connectivity pilot in the City of London, where EE mobile users can access enhanced 4G and 5G coverage along Queen Victoria Street. 

Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave has built new mobile infrastructure in the 10-site pilot so that all four major MNO’s can deliver and share 4G and 5G.

Outdoor small cells installed at street level process the high demand in busy areas, which makes them ideal for enhancing connectivity in densely populated areas. 

These are the first 5G outdoor small cells to be installed in the City of London.

Freshwave’s pilot means the network can serve all four MNO’s with no adjustments to the infrastructure.

The solution is made up of specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and large amounts of dark fibre to each cabinet. 

The pilot is said to reduce equipment, be more cost effective to deploy, minimise street clutter and disruption, as well as reducing environmental impact. 

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone in the pilot of our truly multi-operator neutral host network. Shared digital infrastructure is the logical evolution in telecoms as cities become more connected and smarter. Companies like Freshwave that deploy using the neutral host model help accelerate this connectivity for everyone as the model is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive. I’m proud Freshwave are doing what’s right by all parties in this area.”

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks continuing to rise. We’re pleased to be the first operator live on this pilot with Freshwave helping to deliver the best possible 4G and 5G services to our City of London customers, even at the busiest times. The project is a further demonstration of how we’re enhancing our networks to help both digitise and deliver economic prosperity to the UK, and we look forward to extending it in the future.”