The region’s first O2 4G and 5G small cell sites are now live in Flintshire, thanks to Ambition North Wales’ 4G+ Project and partnerships with mobile operator O2 and infrastructure provider Ontix.
Small cells are compact mobile radio units installed on street furniture such as lighting columns to improve coverage and capacity in areas of high demand or where traditional masts are impractical.
The first four sites, delivered by Ontix on behalf of O2, are now live.
These sites include Deeside Industrial Park, one of the UK’s largest industrial hubs.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, chairman of Ambition North Wales, said: "This deployment marks an important milestone for North Wales.
"By enabling councils to open up their infrastructure to mobile operators, we’re helping create the conditions for better, more reliable connectivity across the region.
"Improved digital connectivity underpins our region’s ambitions for growth, innovation, and thriving local communities."
The project was made possible through the support of Flintshire County Council, which provided access to its streetlighting columns for the installation of equipment.
The project builds on Ambition North Wales’ 4G+ digital initiative, which has helped councils develop 'Open Access Agreements' to allow telecoms companies to use public infrastructure.
These agreements support cost-effective network expansion while reducing visual clutter from additional street equipment.
Councillor Richard Jones, deputy leader and cabinet member for transformation, growth and place at Flintshire County Council, said: "The council welcomes this investment by O2 and Ontix and is pleased to have worked with them and with Ambition North Wales to make public assets available to improve mobile connectivity, a first for North Wales."
The improved coverage will benefit both residents and businesses by providing more reliable mobile service, especially during peak periods.
Richard Williams, director of acquisition at Ontix, said: "Deeside is one of Europe’s largest industrial parks and it is a thriving hub of industry and innovation.
"By boosting vital network connectivity today, O2 and Ontix are supporting the growth of UK industries tomorrow."
Steven Verigotta, director of mobile delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: "Our Mobile Transformation plan is all about ensuring our customers receive a reliable network experience in the moments that matter most.
"These new small cells will provide extra capacity to the growing Deeside Industrial Park, providing a boost to the businesses based there and to the local economy."
Source: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25837877.4g-5g-mobile-connectivity-leap-forward-north-wales/
