13 August 2025
O2 (Virgin Media) has announced the deployment of Freshwave’s small cell technology across 13 popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, South West England, aiming to enhance its 4G and 5G mobile network capacity and coverage.
The new small cells are being installed mainly in the towns of St Ives and Newquay, including at key locations such as Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches in St Ives, as well as Tolcarne Beach and the train station in Newquay.
Small cells are compact, shoebox-sized base stations that provide targeted coverage within a limited radius — typically up to around 100 metres — making them ideal for high-density areas like beaches, tourist attractions, and busy streets. Often mounted on lampposts, CCTV poles, or old payphone cabinets, these nodes are a cost-effective way to boost network capacity without the need for extensive infrastructure or securing new wayleaves.
O2 currently leads the UK in small cell deployment, having recently installed its 2,000th site, with more to come. The latest installations aim to ensure reliable mobile coverage for visitors and locals alike, whether they’re streaming content on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring the area.
“Cornwall is a beautiful and popular tourist destination. These new small cells will serve some of the busiest spots in Cornwall, providing our customers with a reliable mobile experience, even during peak times. Our Mobile Transformation Plan includes a £700 million investment this year to deliver an exceptional network experience everywhere our customers go,” said Dr Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2.
