Smart city technology markets set for rapid growth as cities prioritise operational outcomes

11 February 2026

Berg Insight has released the latest edition of its comprehensive smart city technology report, comprising in-depth studies of five key technology areas: smart street lighting, smart parking, smart waste collection, urban air quality monitoring and smart city surveillance.

In 2024, the global installed base excluding China of individually controlled smart street lights amounted to 27.9 million units. The corresponding figures for the smart waste and smart parking sensor technology markets were at the same time 1.56 million and 1.47 million units respectively. Smart parking sensors refers to in-ground or surface-mounted parking occupancy detection sensors whilst smart waste sensor technology consists of fill-level sensor devices that may either be pre-integrated into bins and containers, for example as a smart bin offering, or retrofitted on existing collection points.

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North Wales gains first O2 4G and 5G small cell sites in Flintshire

10 February 2026

North Wales has taken a major leap forward in mobile connectivity with the activation of the region’s first O2 4G and 5G small cell sites in Flintshire.

Delivered by Ontix on behalf of O2, these new small cells are set to significantly enhance mobile coverage and data speeds for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

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O2 launches 5G standalone network across five major towns in Dorset

02 February 2026

O2 (Virgin Media) has announced the activation of its next-generation 5G Standalone (5GSA) network in five key towns in Dorset, England—Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Swanage, and Christchurch.

This rollout expands the operator’s 5GSA coverage to over 500 UK locations, covering approximately 70% of the population (around 49 million people).

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UK Government to streamlining building regulations to accelerate broadband and mobile infrastructure deployment

29 January 2026

In response to concerns over delays and rising costs faced by broadband and mobile operators deploying new digital infrastructure into large buildings, the UK government has launched a consultation aimed at reforming certain building control procedures.

This initiative seeks to address issues highlighted by the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, which recently criticized the current processes for causing unnecessary delays and costs—particularly for routine work such as fibre optic cabling and mobile mast installation.

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