Virgin Media O2 launched the service in the UK in June 2021 as a joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefonica.
UK carrier Virgin Media O2 says it has installed more than 1,300 small cells across London, claiming to be the largest installation of any major operator in the UK.
The operator noted that the technology enables the company to accelerate its 4G and 5G rollouts in more environmentally friendly ways while increasing capacity in certain areas.
Smaller cells, whose range is usually 80-120 meters, can detect traffic jams across the network and add power as needed, Virgin Media O2 said.
Telco said the small cell deployment in London is being conducted with a number of partners, including Selnex UK, Freshwave, Antix and London City.
The technology uses licensed L18 / 1800 MHz airwaves, using 2.6 GHz spectrum in some initial trial locations.
Virgin Media O2 further stated that it has created a small cell solution that can be placed inside the bus shelter. The trials, created in partnership with Freshwave, involve new small cells connected to the fiber in the bus shelter, which is 5G and ready. In a similar trial, Virgin Media is also testing a new Pephone installation on Westminster sites with O2 Cellnex UK.
Virgin Media O2 plans to expand its network outside of London, with several pilots working across the UK as the company considers successful trials to launch small cell solutions on a scale across the UK to enhance 4G of Virgin Media O2. And 5G network.
Theo Blackwell, London’s chief digital officer, said: “This is good news for London’s digital infrastructure. It comes through our partnership between Borough and Telecommunications supporting local rollouts. Small cells not only mean a lot of good connections, they also increase jobs and growth, which helps create a better London for all of us. It’s good to see this investment continue across London. “
Jenny York, CTO of Virgin Media O2, says: “Building a 5G network is a complex task, so we’re constantly looking for ways to build efficiency through partnerships that will ultimately benefit our customers. Small cell-like technologies help increase our network bandwidth. That helps keep pace with our customer needs and increases data traffic by 34% a year. “
Virgin Media O2 launched the service in the UK in June 2021 as a joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefonica
Liberty Global and Telefonica reached an agreement in May 2020 to consolidate their UK operations in a 50-50 joint venture. The same month, the UK Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) decided to allow a proposed merger between mobile operator O2 and Virgin. Media.
The company, which is committed to investing at least £ 10 billion (currently $ 12.04 billion) in the UK, distributed 5G on more than 2,000 sites across the country last year and now has 5G coverage in 300 cities and towns. The operator was committed to reaching 50% of the UK population by 2023 with 5G services.
