Increased Mobile Coverage in Leeds as BT Partners with Leeds City Council

BT partners with UK towns and cities to boost mobile coverage.

18:26 09 March 2022

BT is currently working on boosting mobile coverage in various UK towns and cities by mounting small antennas on street furniture such as CCTV columns and lampposts. 

 

The technology and telecoms firm is working in partnership with local authorities to quickly deploy hundreds of small cells to boost capacity, particularly in high demand areas. Small cells are currently used to provide better coverage at street level, especially in areas where it is impractical to install 5G masts. 

 

The programme will deliver data speeds of up to 300Mbps in areas including Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. 

 

Brian More O’Ferrall, Director, Mobile Operators in BT’s Enterprise business, said: “Around 200 of the small cells are already live and are helping to boost 4G coverage for EE customers in towns and cities across the UK. 

 

“We have worked closely with our local authority partners to utilise their street furniture, as well as our own assets, to improve connectivity in these areas.

 

“Ensuring good digital infrastructure is a priority for many councils, especially with the rise in mobile device ownership and growth in demand for data and connectivity, and they have seen the benefits that such partnerships can provide.

 

“Not only does it mean that average download speeds can often double in some areas, but it’s also more efficient and means there is a reduced need for new cell masts in the localities.

 

“We’re pleased to be working with EE and other mobile network operators to deliver this coverage boost.”