Overview
Outdoor small cells enhance mobile coverage in busy urban areas where the number of people and things such as sensors may put too much demand on the nearest mast. The cells can often be added to existing street assets like lampposts. Hosting equipment on existing assets can accelerate deployment with less disruption and reduce street clutter.
This technology not only improves coverage and reduces congestion on the network, but the lower latency enables technology that requires real-time information. 5G is expected to have a significant impact on the digital economy, innovation, and adoption of emerging technology. 5G smalls cells are a critical part of a future proofed mobile network.
The use of public sector assets and land is becoming increasingly important for the rollout of advanced wireless networks, including neutral host networks, particularly where extra capacity is required for services in high demand areas.
The Swansea Bay City Deal Digital Infrastructure Programme was part of the UK Government's Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator Early Adopter Group (DCIA EAG). The EAG worked with pilot projects to identify ways to make it easier for public sector asset owners and telecoms companies to work together. A key output of this programme was standardised documentation, processes and lessons learned from a number of Local Authorities across the UK.
Virgin Media O2 in partnership with Freshwave identified Swansea as one of several locations on their indicative next phase of UK wide outdoor small cell rollout.
Laura Jenkins, Digital Connectivity Relationship Manager for Swansea Council worked closely with Freshwave, Virgin Media O2 and several key internal departments to get a non-exclusive open access agreement in place to enable the use of council owned assets to host small cells. These small cells can potentially be used by all four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), which will improve the user experience for all and minimise the amount of infrastructure required.
This initial deployment in Swansea has provided valuable insights from all perspectives. We’ve identified and addressed several challenges, leading to improved internal processes. These lessons learned are being shared with all Local Authorities in our region to ensure a consistent approach.
If you'd like to know more about this, please get in touch - digital@swanseabaycitydeal.wales.
Benefits
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1
CollaborationBy having open access agreements and processes in place we are ready and able to work with neutral hosts and mobile network operators.
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2
Less infrastructureUsing existing assets to host small cells will reduce the amount of street clutter.
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3
Better user experienceImproving mobile connectivity in the busiest parts of Swansea. We'd like to see this extend to other areas where we have known issues e.g. Tenby and Saundersfoot where tourism impacts connectivity.
