Virgin Media O2 has extended its small cells deployment programme into Tonbridge, a town in Kent. The operator has brought online five new small cells across Tonbridge town centre, which were installed by Freshwave on behalf of O2. The infrastructure additions are designed to bolster both 4G and 5G coverage in locations experiencing peak mobile traffic.
The initiative seeks to enhance connectivity for the town's residents, commercial enterprises and transient visitors, particularly during periods when network demand reaches its highest levels. The project brought together O2, Freshwave, Kent County Council and local MP Tom Tugendhat, who has advocated for stronger mobile infrastructure in the region.
Tugendhat commented on the deployment: "We are all too familiar with how frustrating not being able to access phone signal and internet can be, and the impact an inefficient and unreliable signal has in Tonbridge town centre. People expect their mobile connection to work wherever they are. I'm delighted this is changing, starting with the new small cells now live in Tonbridge. This investment will help improve connectivity across our town centre and demonstrates what can be achieved when local partners work together to deliver the infrastructure communities need."
Professor Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2, stated: "Mobile data usage continues to grow year after year, making it increasingly important that we invest in infrastructure which can keep pace with customer demand. These new small cells will provide additional capacity in some of Tonbridge's busiest locations, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected. We are grateful for the support of Tom Tugendhat MP and our local partners in helping make this deployment possible."
Neil Barnes, Mobile Network Operator Account Director at Freshwave, added: "We're pleased to have worked with O2 and local stakeholders to deliver these new small cells in Tonbridge. By deploying infrastructure where it's needed most, we can help provide better mobile experiences while supporting the growing connectivity needs of local communities."
