O2 customers set to benefit from enhanced mobile connectivity in Bristol thanks to innovative partnership

London, 2 December 2024 –The deployment of new small cell technology in Bristol will enhance mobile coverage across the city for O2 customers, thanks to a new partnership between Cellnex UK, Bristol City Council and Virgin Media O2.

The Council has provided access to lampposts for Cellnex UK to install the technology used by Virgin Media O2 to increase mobile coverage and capacity. The new technology will provide an enhanced mobile experience for residents and businesses, as well as playing a significant role in supporting digital inclusion across Bristol.

The rollout marks the beginning of a sustained programme to deliver high quality connectivity over 25 sites across the city, 12 of which are now live, with the remainder due to go live in the coming weeks.

Small cells have been widely accepted as a crucial part of advancing mobile infrastructure in the UK, given their capacity to boost vital connectivity and coverage in localised areas.  Installing the technology on existing infrastructure such as lampposts also allows for a more reliable connection in densely populated urban areas, where demand for high bandwidth mobile service can outstrip supply.

Cellnex UK is the UK’s largest independent telecoms infrastructure provider, with the Bristol sites forming part of the 1,200 small cells the business has now deployed across the UK.

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council said: “It’s exciting to see how we can enhance connectivity across Bristol for our residents and businesses. It is incredibly important for us to ensure they receive the support they need both now and in the future. This partnership is a vital component of our wider strategy to prioritise high-quality digital access city-wide to support our vibrant and innovative community.”

Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director, Cellnex UK, said, “In today’s increasingly digital world, it is crucial for our towns and cities across the UK to keep up. Small cell technology allows us to deliver localised mobile connectivity precisely where it is needed to meet the growing demand and expectation from customers. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Bristol City Council and VMO2 as we enhance connectivity across the city.”

Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery of Virgin Media O2 added: “At Virgin Media O2, our customers are at the heart of everything we do and these small cells will significantly improve their mobile network experience in the city of Bristol. We are committed to ensuring that our customers can fully benefit from seamless connectivity wherever they are, by  continuing to invest in our network to support this.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

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