O2, in partnership with Freshwave, has announced ongoing efforts to upgrade the mobile network coverage at 22 Haven holiday parks across the UK, aiming to provide improved 4G and 5G connectivity for visitors during the summer months.
Although the upgrades are scheduled to continue until 2026, four sites have already benefited from enhanced 5G service, with further sites expected to be upgraded throughout the remainder of the year and into early 2026.
Freshwave’s approach involves deploying small cell base stations, compact radio units roughly the size of a shoebox. These units are designed to deliver targeted coverage across specific areas, typically within a radius of around 100 metres. They are often installed on existing street assets such as lampposts, CCTV poles, or repurposed payphone kiosks, making them a cost-effective solution for boosting connectivity in busy or concentrated locations.
The initial sites to receive upgrades include Thornwick Bay Holiday Park in Yorkshire and Skegness Holiday Park in Lincolnshire, although the full list of locations has not been disclosed. The focus is on ensuring holidaymakers and staff can share experiences, stream entertainment, or work remotely without connectivity concerns.
“We’re delighted to be working with O2 and Freshwave to bring enhanced mobile connectivity to our parks. Our guests and owners expect to stay connected, whether it’s sharing memories, streaming entertainment, or working remotely. Our investment in the parks has attracted O2 to help us deliver the best possible experience for families choosing to holiday or own at our parks,” said James Bromley, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Haven.
These upgrades are part of O2’s broader Mobile Transformation Plan, which involves investing approximately £700 million this year to modernise and future-proof their national network infrastructure. The aim is to meet the rising demand for reliable mobile services across the UK. It is hoped that other providers, such as EE and Vodafone, are also working on similar enhancements at the same locations, following Vodafone’s recent initiatives in this area.
