Virgin Media O2 and Freshwave deploy small cells across Canterbury to boost 4G/5G capacity

Virgin Media O2 has once again partnered with infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave to strengthen mobile connectivity in the UK, this time with the deployment of four new 4G/5G small cells in Canterbury, Kent. The installations, carried out in collaboration with Kent County Council, target some of the busiest areas of the city, including Clocktower Square and the Whitefriars retail quarter.

Small cells are low-powered radio access points designed to enhance mobile capacity and alleviate network congestion in densely populated urban environments. Unlike traditional macro cell towers, these compact units are typically mounted on existing street furniture such as lamp posts, offering a less intrusive alternative that minimizes visual impact and often avoids local opposition to bulkier telecom infrastructure.

The deployment in Canterbury operates under an open access agreement between Freshwave and Kent County Council. According to Freshwave, such agreements are non-exclusive, enabling local authorities to collaborate with multiple mobile network operators while granting shared use of public street assets for digital connectivity projects. This model is increasingly seen as a practical pathway for accelerating network densification without duplicating infrastructure.

"Working in partnership is key to delivering mobile connectivity, and these new small cells demonstrate how local authorities and industry can work together to improve coverage where people need it most," said Neil Barnes, mobile network operator account director at Freshwave.

Professor Rob Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2, added: "These new small cells will help support residents, businesses, and visitors in some of the busiest areas, providing O2 customers with a reliable mobile experience whether they're exploring landmarks, enjoying local attractions, or staying connected on the go."

The Canterbury rollout marks another milestone in Freshwave's broader UK expansion. The company has now signed more than 40 open access agreements with local authorities across the country and has deployed over 800 small cells on behalf of mobile network operators. Freshwave has previously supported Virgin Media O2 with similar small cell projects in Guildford, Cornwall, and Manchester, underscoring a deepening collaboration between the two firms.

Industry analysts note that small cell deployments are becoming a critical component of UK mobile strategy, particularly as demand for high-bandwidth services continues to rise in dense urban cores. By leveraging existing street assets and fostering multi-operator agreements, local authorities and telecom firms can deliver targeted capacity improvements more quickly and cost-effectively than through conventional macro site builds, helping to bridge coverage gaps in high-traffic locations.