Waltham Forest Council Smart Lampposts

Waltham Forest Council to allow Arqiva to deploy small cell technology on 16,000 lampposts across the borough.

10:34 20 December 2017

Arqiva has secured exclusive access rights to street furniture in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, allowing it to deploy small cell technology on 16,000 lampposts, as well as WiFi access points for a planned public wireless network.

 

Small cells are considered a key element of enabling the transition from 4G to future 5G roll-outs because they can greatly expand mobile networking coverage and capacity where it is most needed.

 

Arqiva managing director of telecoms and machine-to-machine (M2M), Nicolas Ott, said: “As data and voice usage increases exponentially, it is fast becoming essential for mobile network operators [MNOs] to deliver sufficient outdoor connectivity for their customers in dense urban areas,”

 

“Arqiva’s portfolio of communications sites means we are uniquely able to help the MNOs deliver the required coverage and capacity, whether it is towers and rooftops for macro sites, or street furniture for small cells.”

 

Liaquat Ali, cabinet member for transformation and commercial services at Waltham Forest Council, added: “We use digital technology more every day to carry out jobs from ordering shopping and services, to keeping in touch with friends and relatives, to accessing council services. To do this we need fast online access – and that is precisely what this agreement brings for residents and visitors.

 

“Installing cell units into street furniture is an innovative and forward-thinking idea that shows we in Waltham Forest are committed to improving our digital offering for all to enjoy.”