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Virgin Media O2 and Ontix have carried out work to boost mobile connectivity for residents and businesses in two areas of Birmingham. Soho Road and Handsworth will benefit from five new small cells that will boost mobile capacity in the local area and reduce network traffic at busy times.
These street-level mini masts, known as small cells, have been delivered by Ontix, the neutral host company delivering next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service, and take advantage of existing street infrastructure to boost mobile capacity in high-demand areas.
Supported by Birmingham City Council and Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID), the move has been driven by a shared commitment to foster inclusivity and equal opportunities in Birmingham and transform the city’s digital landscape for its communities.
The project follows similar small call deployments, including in the city centre, which were delivered by the two companies in recent years.
The speed and efficiency of the project were made possible through an Open Access Agreement with Birmingham City Council signed in 2022, which allows operators and their partners to use council-owned assets, such as lamp posts, to deploy new cellular infrastructure to improve digital connectivity across the city.
Virgin Media O2, Ontix Deploy Small Cells to Boost Mobile Network
Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “Small cells are an effective way of increasing local network bandwidth and play an important role in allowing us to keep up with rising customer demand. We are proud to have delivered these new sites in Soho Road and Handsworth, which will unlock opportunities for local residents and businesses.
With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”
Local politicians and business organisations have expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for this much-needed initiative.
Councillor Samia Suleman, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism said; “This is really good news for Soho and Handsworth This deployment represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and connected community, empowering residents to access vital online services, educational resources, and employment opportunities.”
Rakesh Soni, BID Manager at Soho Road Business Improvement District, said; “We are delighted to see the work that Virgin Media O2 and Ontix are doing in the area, and applaud their commitment to digital inclusion. This deployment will unlock tremendous potential for our local businesses, enabling them to harness the power of the internet to expand their reach and drive economic growth. It is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation.”
“For everything from GP appointments to job interviews, shopping deliveries and social media, the internet is a fundamental part of the fabric of today’s society, and it is only right that everyone should enjoy equal access,” said Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix. “By deploying small cell connectivity, we aim to facilitate a new era of digital empowerment in these two communities. Through enhanced access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity, residents will be better equipped to overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and fully participate in the digital economy. We are delighted to have worked with Virgin Media O2 to achieve this first-of-its-kind deployment, boosting digital opportunities where they’re needed most.”