Arqiva and O2 to deploy small cells in London Boroughs

The small cells, once installed, will provide enhanced mobile data capacity and coverage to those living and working in some of the capital's busiest boroughs.

The long term agreement will make use of some of Arqiva's concession contracts with 14 of the London Boroughs, including the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Camden and Lambeth. Initial sites will be live by the summer 2018, with deployment continuing up to 2020.

The 300 small cells will be installed on street assets, such as lampposts, to deliver targeted coverage and increased capacity in areas where mobile data demand is particularly high, for example outside transport hubs and major shopping areas.

In addition to its immediate benefits for O2's customers, the agreement will lay the foundations for a rapid deployment of 5G connectivity when it becomes available. O2 research recently indicated that 5G will make the UK's cities smarter and creating tangible benefits for citizens and local councils - as well as generating £6 billion productivity savings for the UK economy.