5G small cell trial for City of London

“If the pilot is successful, the ambition is for a City-wide deployment that will deliver faster mobile connectivity speeds across the Square Mile”, according to network service provider Freshwave, which will be working with mobile infrastructure services provider Cornerstone on the programme.

There will be 10 sites stretched along ~1km of Queen Victoria Street, passing Bank, Mansion House, the Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars, scheduled to be operating from October.

Freshwave will be install, or upgrade existing, street assets so that the they can be used by multiple mobile network operators (MNOs), aiming to improve connectivity while minimising the amount of additional street equipment.

Bespoke antennas will be installed on the upgraded infrastructure, with multiple pieces of telecoms equipment being housed in the accompanying cabinets.

The cabinets will be connected through optical fibre.

“Using small cell technology, which enhances 4G and 5G connectivity, Freshwave will work with the MNOs to deliver an improved user experience for mobile users within the pilot area,” it said.

“This new deal will activate a 5G infrastructure pilot to all mobile networks this year which will make the City more accessible and better connected for visitors, workers and residents,” said City of London Corporation streets and walkways committee chairman Graham Packham.