11 Jul Brent hails open access era for West London telecoms
As part of a plan by a number of West London boroughs to develop better ways of working with telecom operators, making it quicker and easier to improve networks, Brent Council and independent wireless telecoms infrastructure provider Cellnex UK have signed a long-term agreement that will ensure improvements in mobile connectivity continue across the borough.
Brent is one of the seven boroughs that make up the West London Alliance. Through the West London Alliance’s digital programme, West London boroughs are pursuing the shared aim of using cutting-edge technology to provide improved public services, reduce inequality and cut carbon emissions.
As part of the latest deal, and under the borough’s digital strategy, Brent Council will provide access to lighting columns for Cellnex UK to deploy small cell technology used by Mobile Network Operators to increase mobile coverage and capacity. Offering residents and businesses world-class connectivity is key to delivering Brent’s ambition to become a truly digital borough.
Cellnex UK commercial director Paul Stonadge, said: “During the past three years, our reliance on mobile connectivity increased immensely, as we tried hard to work from home, educate our children and stay in touch with friends and family.
“As we strive to support economic recovery and reduce digital inequalities across London and the UK, it has become even more critical to speed up deployment and ensure the resilience of our networks through innovative and forward-thinking partnerships like this with Brent Council.”
West London Alliance director David Francis said: “We are delighted that the WLA’s digital programme – a seven-borough collaboration – is supporting boroughs to adopt new ways of working with the operators which are delivering investment to West London.
“By sending the message that West London is ‘open to access’ we will not only improve mobile connectivity for all, but create opportunities to tackle digital exclusion and support business innovation, by ensuring all residents and businesses can access affordable, secure and reliable connectivity,” he said.
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