Mobile operator O2 has switched on its first small cells in two of Cornwall’s coastal towns, aiming for faster speeds and better coverage for businesses, holidaymakers, and residents.
In partnership with connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave, the company has installed small cells in the British county, with five in St Ives and three in Newquay, and another five to follow.
The new equipment is already boosting mobile capacity in high-footfall areas, including Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches in St Ives, and Tolcarne beach and the train station in Newquay.
The move comes as O2 research shows almost half (48%) of Britons are planning a staycation this summer. With visitor numbers surging in Cornwall during peak season, the technology is promised to provide a boost for streaming, video calls and other data-heavy activity.
Small cells, which are quicker and easier to deploy than traditional masts, allow operators to add capacity in busy areas without lengthy planning or construction delays.
“Cornwall is a beautiful part of the country and an extremely popular tourist destination in the summer,” said Dr Rob Joyce, O2’s director of mobile access engineering. “These new small cells will ensure that O2 customers have a reliable mobile experience whether they’re streaming on the beach, having a pasty, or eating an ice cream.”
Neil Barnes, mobile network operator account director at Freshwave, said the project would help connect “residents, visitors and local businesses in areas known for world-class beaches, vibrant tourism, and a growing creative economy.”
The rollout is part of O2’s £700m Mobile Transformation Plan to expand 4G and 5G coverage, target capacity hotspots, and strengthen service in challenging environments such as transport hubs, stadiums and along rail lines.
