Connecting Communities: Ontix’s Year of Innovation and Impact in 2024

As we come to the end of another busy year we’re reflecting on all we’ve achieved over the last 12 months. This year has been pivotal for us in enhancing communities & delivering innovative solutions. We’ve partnered with all four major mobile network operators in the UK alongside local authorities & private customers, both in the capital and across the UK. At Ontix, everything we’ve taken part in through 2024 has been guided by our three core values: being customer-centric, pursuing innovation with a purpose, and championing teamwork. This year, we’ve demonstrated these principles through projects, events and initiatives, delivering innovative solutions to enhance communities and transform connectivity across the UK.
Enhancing Connectivity Where It Matters Most
We partnered with Virgin Media O2 to dramatically improve mobile connectivity in some of the busiest urban areas across the country. In Birmingham, we deployed small cells across Broad Street and Fleet Street, ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors enjoy seamless 4G and 5G services. In Reading, we focused on high-traffic areas like Reading Station and the Oracle Shopping Centre. By implementing small cell technology, we’ve enhanced the mobile experience for over 20 million people who pass through these locations annually.
Our work at landmark events West End Live and London Pride further underscored our approach to enhancing the community experience. By providing free public Wi-Fi in Trafalgar Square, we enabled over 100,000 event-goers to stream, communicate, and share their experiences without worrying about network interruptions, elevating the sense of community and ensuring the smooth running of both events. Looking to 2025, the amount of large-scale events set to take place is staggering, with 25% of Brits hoping to attend more events next year. The demand for reliable connectivity is key to the event experience for subscribers and therefore, boosting capacity in key locations will become even more important.
Pushing the Boundaries of Connectivity
Our approach goes beyond mere technological advancement, it’s about creating meaningful solutions that address real-world connectivity challenges and demand.
The Cambridge CORE project exemplifies this philosophy. By demonstrating the potential of Open RAN technology, we’ve shown how network deployment can be faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. Our collaboration with Cambridgeshire City Council, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and other consortium partners showcases our commitment to driving technological progress with a clear purpose.
Our partnership with BT Wholesale, EE and Westminster City Council further illustrates this approach. We’ve deployed cutting-edge small cell technology designed with safety and performance in mind whilst remaining sensitive to the unique architecture in the area, ensuring reliable 5G connectivity in challenging urban environments.
Teamwork is our Strongest Asset
While we’re proud of our technological achievements, it’s the team that truly sets Ontix apart. From engineers deploying networks in the early hours on the coldest nights to our leadership team driving strategic partnerships, teamwork is our foundation. Our participation in the Tough Mudder challenge beautifully captured this spirit, a testament to our collective resilience and commitment to supporting important causes.
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2024 and look forward, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and we’re set to tackle even more ambitious projects. We will continue our mission to help cities connect people and enhance collaboration by building the next generation of wireless infrastructure, and we’ll remain committed to our core values – putting customers first, driving purposeful innovation, and fostering the exceptional teamwork that makes Ontix special. Here’s to another year of connecting communities and creating lasting impact across the UK.