Manchester city centre and its surrounding areas are set to experience improved mobile connectivity thanks to a new partnership between Freshwave and Manchester City Council. This collaboration will see Freshwave deploying over 20 outdoor small cells on behalf of Virgin Media O2 in high-traffic locations, such as the Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester Piccadilly Station, and Piccadilly Gardens.
Outdoor small cells, which are often attached to existing street furniture like lampposts, are designed to alleviate the heavy demand on mobile networks in busy urban areas. By providing enhanced 4G signals and being ready for 5G, these small cells will significantly improve mobile service for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar of Manchester City Council expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its alignment with the city’s Digital Strategy for 2021-26. He highlighted that the improved digital infrastructure will support better communication, access to essential services, and economic growth, making a substantial positive impact on the community.
Steven Verigotta, Director of Mobile Delivery at Virgin Media O2, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier customer experiences through capacity-boosting initiatives like the deployment of small cells. He assured that ongoing network upgrades aim to provide consistent and exceptional service, even during peak usage times.
Nick Wiggin, Freshwave’s Head of Partnerships, celebrated the agreement as a significant advancement in Manchester’s digital goals. He noted the importance of reliable connectivity both at home and on the go, expressing Freshwave’s dedication to working with partners to ensure robust mobile services where they are most needed.
This initiative promises to transform Manchester’s mobile connectivity landscape, enhancing the daily digital experiences of everyone in the city.
