O2 has teamed up with network infrastructure provider Freshwave to roll out its first small cell installations in Cornwall, targeting busy tourist spots in St Ives and Newquay. The initial phase has seen five small cells activated in St Ives and three in Newquay, with another five scheduled to go live soon.
These compact units, designed to enhance mobile connectivity in high-traffic areas, have been strategically positioned at popular sites. In St Ives, coverage improvements reach Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches, while in Newquay, Tolcarne beach and the local train station are among the upgraded locations.
The initiative coincides with O2 research showing that nearly half of UK residents are planning a domestic holiday this summer. The company says the small cells will deliver a stronger and more reliable signal for residents and tourists alike. Small cells can be installed faster than traditional masts, allowing O2 to expand coverage more quickly. The operator now claims the largest small cell footprint in the UK, having recently installed its 2,000th unit.
O2 emphasises that Cornwall’s popularity as a summer destination makes the investment timely. The deployment is part of its £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for 2025, aimed at improving network performance nationwide, even during peak demand.
Freshwave’s Mobile Network Operator Account Director Neil Barnes highlighted the collaboration with Cornwall Council, noting the importance of improved connectivity for communities, visitors, and local businesses in areas renowned for their beaches, tourism, and creative industries.
In a further boost to its network capabilities, O2 has also secured a deal with Vodafone UK to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, increasing its share of UK mobile spectrum to about 30%. Separately, Freshwave is contributing to the Department for Transport’s Project Reach, which will expand mobile and fibre coverage along train routes, including 50 tunnels spanning 57 kilometres.
