Mediacentre
- 02 Oct 2023
- ·
- UK
Cellnex UK delivers in-building connectivity solution for The OWO and Raffles London
The new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) provides fast, consistent mobile signal and data coverage across The OWO, the former Old War Office building.
London, 02 October 2023 – Cellnex UK today announced the delivery of a new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) for The OWO, previously known as the Old War Office, now reimagined as a new destination with 120-bedroom Raffles Hotel, Raffles London at The OWO, a collection of 9 restaurants and 3 bars, a Guerlain Spa, and 85 Raffles branded residences. The in-building connectivity solution provides fast, consistent mobile signal and data coverage across the building and is now live for residents and visitors supported by the UK Mobile Network Operators.
The OWO is a historic, Grade II* listed building in Whitehall which has recently undergone major renovation works and has been transformed into a new hospitality destination. The OWO, like many large, historic buildings, was constructed with materials that by nature block mobile signals from outside the building. Cellnex UK, supported by specialist systems engineers Pan RF, deployed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) inside the building, which provides fast and reliable connectivity across indoor areas and corners of the building, including the hotel’s 600 capacity ballroom.
Alfonso Alvarez, Managing Director, Cellnex UK, said: “We are delighted to be part of the transformation of The OWO, an iconic landmark in Whitehall, providing a vital utility for residents and customers. A real focus for this project was ensuring that the solution was non-intrusive and in keeping with The OWO’s impressive heritage and beautiful architecture, whilst also providing the seamless connectivity experience that today’s consumers expect.”
Luxury real estate and hospitality is a key market for Cellnex UK’s in-building division, which expanded in October 2022 after the company acquired indoor connectivity specialists Herbert In-Building Wireless and formed Cellnex UK In-Building Solutions (CUKIS). The CUKIS team has extensive experience in the luxury market, delivering solutions in line with a building’s original architecture and historical features whilst ensuring minimal disruption during deployment. As a neutral host, Cellnex UK is in a strong position to support the hospitality and real estate sector to deliver the connectivity needs that their customers expect in their daily lives.
Alfonso Alvarez continued, “We are pleased that The OWO’s residents, guests and visitors can now enjoy uninterrupted mobile connectivity, without any compromise to the building’s aesthetic. The overall refurbishment of The OWO is truly impressive and we would like to congratulate all parties involved in such an innovative project.”
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About Cellnex UK
Cellnex is Europe, and the UK’s largest and fastest-growing independent owner and operator of wireless telecoms infrastructure and is integral to the successful roll-out of 5G. With the wireless infrastructure foundation that we deliver across rural and urban areas, Cellnex UK connects everyone, everywhere. Our networks and solutions are built to be fit for now and the future so that the UK can prosper. We are a business built on commercial and technical innovation, ambition and sustainable growth. We offer customers the commitment to neutrality and the economic benefits of shared infrastructure.
For more information: www.cellnex.co.uk
About The OWO
Opening on Friday 29 September, the former Old War Office in Whitehall will open as The OWO. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the building has undergone a monumental transformation and will be home to 9 destination restaurants and three bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded residences. At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion-pound turnover business with experience in restoration and renovation of historic buildings and Onex Group, a private investment group with a strong track record of developing and operating strategic and critical infrastructure.
Raffles London at The OWO
The OWO will host London’s first Raffles hotel, Raffles London at The OWO, a prestigious new hotel in the landmark Grade II* listed building on Whitehall, comprising 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 spacious private residences. The Spa at Raffles London will be home to a dedicated well-being concept spa delivered by Guerlain and members’ health club by movement specialists, Pillar.