Digital connectivity is now part of how property, places and communities perform

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  Occupier experience, workplace performance and day-to-day operations

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  Access to services, payments and digital experiences for communities and visitors

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  Business trading, communication and resilience

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  Safety, mobility and community use across public spaces

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  Seasonal demand management in tourism destinations

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  Long-term property value and future relevance

At a Glance

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  01.

  Digital connectivity is now a built environment priority, influencing property value, regional growth, occupier experience and connected place strategies.

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  02.

  Coverage is not the same as capacity; real-world performance depends on how people use connectivity in buildings, venues, public spaces and destinations.

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  03.

  Indoor connectivity needs to be considered earlier, particularly as modern building materials can reduce mobile signal penetration.

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  04.

  Mobile network operators play a pivotal role, but public and private sector collaboration is needed to make deployment more viable in complex or underserved environments.

Connectivity is now essential to economic growth

Coverage is not the same as capacity

Indoor connectivity now needs intentional planning

A new model for regional connectivity

If you are considering how digital connectivity could support your development, estate, venue, public space or regional growth strategy, Ontix can help you move from early-stage thinking to informed decision-making and real-world deployment.

Bath, UK, 10th March – Visitors to Bath, along with residents and businesses in the city, will benefit from improved mobile connectivity and faster speeds as O2 small cells are deployed across key locations.

O2 and Ontix have partnered in collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council to deploy small cells in some of the busiest areas across Bath’s city centre and its picturesque shopping areas. The city is listed as the 11th most visited destination by inbound visitors, and popular sites such as the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Museum, as well as experiences including themed tours of Bridgerton filming locations, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The small cells are providing a crucial boost to 5G network capacity and delivering an enhanced user experience for O2 customers throughout the year.

Small cells are a discreet way to boost mobile connectivity in busy urban areas, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing street furniture such as lamp posts to blend with Bath’s streetscape. The first cells are now live and boosting the network, while further deployments are planned to continue into early 2026.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix, said: “Having forged strong and collaborative relationships with the Digital Office at Bath & North East Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), we were able to deploy at pace, enabling us to rapidly improve mobile capacity in Bath. The city draws visitors year round from across the country and internationally. By enhancing mobile connectivity in the city’s bustling areas, Ontix and O2 are ensuring that residents and visitors alike can stay connected, whilst supporting the city’s ongoing wireless infrastructure needs.”

Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Digital connectivity is important for economic growth, innovation and ensuring our residents feel connected, safe and able to access services on a day-to-day basis. Any developments that improve digital connectivity for residents and visitors to the City Centre are to be welcomed and I am pleased to report that this initiative has secured a commitment to digital inclusion through funded apprenticeships.”

Steven Verigotta, Director of Mobile Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re investing another £700m into our mobile network this year as part of our Mobile Transformation Plan, ensuring our customers receive an exceptional experience wherever they are, even during the busiest periods. Small cells play a vital role in this investment, delivering targeted network improvements where demand is highest. Bath attracts millions of visitors each year, and our customers can now enjoy enhanced connectivity when they’re exploring the city’s historic sites.”

These upgrades are part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points, including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas. The investment in Bath has been delivered through the signing of an Open Access Agreement with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

London, UK, 9th February – Mobile connectivity in North Wales has taken a significant step forward with the region’s first O2 4G and 5G small cell sites now live in Flintshire. The new sites, delivered by connectivity infrastructure provider Ontix on behalf of O2, are enhancing mobile coverage and increasing data speeds for residents, businesses, and visitors.

O2 and Ontix have partnered to deploy 4G and 5G small cells across Flintshire, including at Deeside Industrial Park, one of the biggest industrial clusters in the UK, demonstrating a joint commitment to supporting UK industry and businesses. The small cells will enable improved productivity and boost the local economy.

With the extra capacity provided by these small cells, O2 customers can expect more reliable mobile connectivity for everyday calls and online access. Local businesses will benefit from steadier, more resilient connectivity, helping them stay connected with customers and operate effectively during busy periods.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix, said: “Deeside is one of Europe’s largest industrial parks and it is a thriving hub of industry and innovation. By boosting vital network connectivity today, O2 and Ontix are supporting the growth of UK industries tomorrow.”

Steven Verigotta, Director of Mobile Delivery at O2, said: “Our Mobile Transformation plan is all about ensuring our customers receive a reliable network experience in the moments that matter most. These new small cells will provide extra capacity to the growing Deeside Industrial Park, providing a boost to the businesses based there and to the local economy.”

This deployment has been enabled by support from Flintshire County Council, which provided Ontix with access to its streetlighting columns for hosting the equipment.

The achievement follows work led by Ambition North Wales, via its 4G+ digital project, to help councils across the region introduce ‘Open Access Agreements’ – making their infrastructure available to telecommunications companies, like O2. 

Councillor Richard Jones, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transformation Growth and Place, Flintshire County Council, said: “The Council welcomes this investment by O2 and Ontix and is pleased to have worked with them and with Ambition North Wales to make public assets available to improve mobile connectivity, a first for North Wales. 

These upgrades are part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points, including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

Last year, O2 announced that it had agreed a deal with Vodafone UK to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, bringing the operator’s total spectrum holding to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum and materially enhancing the company’s network position. The operator is deploying this newly acquired spectrum across the country, which will drive a better network experience for its customers.

O2 was recently recognised as the most improved mobile network across Europe in Umlaut Connect’s Mobile Network Test, an independent and comprehensive benchmarking report.

Industry Veteran Paul Trubridge joins Ontix as Director of New & Emerging Markets to expand the company’s neutral host offering

London, UK, 13th January – Ontix announces the appointment of Paul Trubridge as Director of New & Emerging Markets. Paul brings over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, having held senior leadership roles at IONX Networks, Quortus and Airspan Networks.

A specialist in 4G and 5G neutral host connectivity, Paul has a proven track record of driving innovative product strategies and leading successful market entries across the UK and Europe.

At Ontix, Paul will focus on building out the company’s neutral host solutions and services offering. 

Chris Newall, CEO at Ontix, said: “Paul is an invaluable addition to our growing team and we’re all looking forward to learning from his deep-rooted experience in the telecoms industry and his specialism in neutral host connectivity. With Paul onboard, we can continue to close connectivity gaps by building wireless infrastructure where communities and businesses need it most.”

On September 21st, the ‘This is Oxford Street’ pedestrian trial, hosted by the Mayor of London, transformed one of Britain’s busiest shopping districts into a car-free zone, and Ontix provided the next-gen connectivity needed. 

The one-day event set out to trial the Mayor of London’s proposal to pedestrianise a large section of Oxford Street, between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, by making the half-mile stretch of road traffic-free. Instead, pop-up shops, drink and food stalls, live music and performances and interactive experiences for thousands of visitors reclaimed the street. 

But behind the scenes, the event organisers faced a critical operational challenge. All of the vendors and pop-up shops processing card payments needed fast, reliable connectivity.

LS Events, the organisers of ‘This is Oxford Street’, worked with Ontix to boost connectivity for the day to support seamless operations for dozens of vendors and service providers. 

Ontix provided ultra-fast public Wi-Fi, leveraging its existing small cell and WiFi AP units discreetly installed on street furniture like lampposts, providing high-capacity across the pedestrianised zone, giving event operations the robust connectivity they needed.

The ‘This is Oxford Street’ trial showcases how rapidly deployable public Wi-Fi is becoming essential infrastructure for major urban events.

Highly experienced telecommunications professional will drive growth across small cell and neutral host portfolio to enhance connectivity across the UK

London, UK, 15th September 2025 – Ontix, the next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, announces the appointment of Chris Newall as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a new chapter for the company. With over 30 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, Chris joins Ontix from Clarke Telecom, where he was Sales & Strategy Director, following his role as Chief Commercial Officer at Indigo Telecom Group.

Chris’s goal as the incoming CEO is to steer the business toward creating lasting value for its customers and to reinforce Ontix’s role as a leading provider of connectivity for all communities across the UK. Chris has a track record of securing transformational customer wins and enabling significant, sustained growth for the businesses he has led across hardware, software, and professional services. 

Chris Newall, CEO at Ontix, said: “I’m joining Ontix at a pivotal moment, as reliable mobile coverage becomes ever more essential. The growing demand for higher data capacity and truly ubiquitous 5G coverage, both indoors and outdoors, across public and private networks, brings complex challenges. Ontix has proven it can address these challenges, designing and deploying advanced infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively. I’m excited to get started with the Ontix team and our customers to accelerate the rollout of the next-generation mobile infrastructure the UK needs.”

Thor Johnsen, Managing Partner at Digital Gravity Infrastructure Partners and Ontix Board Chair, added: “The Ontix Board is delighted that Chris is joining to lead the team and the business through the next stage of growth. His proven experience as a commercial leader will ensure focus and delivery of Ontix’s advanced wireless solutions to our growing customer base.”

London, UK, 24th July 2025 – Visitors, residents, students and businesses in Bristol’s historic Clifton area will now benefit from an improved mobile experience and faster speeds as O2 small cells are deployed across the area.

O2 and Ontix have partnered to deploy small cells in some of the busiest areas across Clifton, including around the University of Bristol’s key buildings, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre, and popular shopping and dining areas. With thousands of tourists visiting the Clifton Suspension Bridge annually and a large student population, the small cells are providing a crucial boost to network capacity in these high-footfall locations.

O2 and Ontix are working together to deploy small cells in high-demand areas all across the UK, including towns and cities such as London, Birmingham, Reading, Cambridge, Plymouth and Chester. Small cells continue to bring value as a cost-effective solution to improving network connectivity in dense urban environments.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix, said: “The historic area of Clifton is renowned for its connection to Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his iconic innovation, the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Just as Brunel led the way in engineering excellence, Ontix is driving innovation in connectivity with our small cell technology. By enhancing connectivity services, Ontix and O2 are ensuring the community benefits from world-class connections, aligning with the area’s rich legacy of progress and ingenuity.”

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “With mobile communications a key part of daily life, coverage and speed issues are frustrating. Bristol has a number of areas, often where people gather, where the network is not up to the first-class standards people expect of a major UK city. Digital connectivity is vital for our city’s future prosperity, so we’re working with telecom companies like Ontix and O2, who are investing in Bristol’s digital infrastructure. Ontix used our street lighting columns in areas with poor mobile connectivity to boost mobile service, benefiting our residents and visitors alike. Thank you to our highways officers for working with telecom partners to improve Bristol’s digital infrastructure.”

Dr Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at Virgin Media O2, said: “Our Mobile Transformation Plan will see us invest £700m into our mobile network this year to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”

“Small cells are an important part of this investment, offering an effective way to provide a local network boost to keep up with rising customer demand. Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic locations in the country and customers can now benefit from a more reliable network when visiting this local landmark.”

These upgrades are part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points, including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

O2 also recently announced that it had agreed a deal with Vodafone UK to acquire 78.8 MHz of spectrum, bringing the operator’s total spectrum holding to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum and materially enhancing the company’s network position.

Ontix has been selected as the local infrastructure partner in the next phase of the Mayor of London’s Breathe London programme. Led by Vodafone, this four-year initiative will significantly expand and enhance London’s air quality monitoring network, providing highly accurate data, supporting communities across the capital to understand, monitor, and act on air quality where they live and work.

The four-year renewal of this initiative, which first launched in 2020, builds on London’s existing monitoring network and provides a new approach to data quality by extracting high-resolution data from the air quality sensors and processing it, then comparing and aligning the insights with standard reference monitors to ensure its accuracy and reliability. This will give Londoners access to more robust, high-resolution data.

Ontix’s expertise in deploying local infrastructure will be crucial in identifying and enabling additional sensor locations, leveraging Vodafone’s Global IoT connectivity and existing network infrastructure. This partnership underscores Ontix’s commitment to supporting smart city initiatives and leveraging infrastructure solutions for the benefit of urban environments and public health.

EE customers to benefit from enhanced 5G connectivity in central London as innovative small cell technology increases network capacity

London, UK, 27th May 2025 – Mobile connectivity in Westminster is set to improve as EE and Ontix install 80 small cells across the city. The deployment marks a significant milestone in next-generation mobile infrastructure, with the new small cells supporting both 4G and 5G traffic to enhance reliability and high-speed connectivity of London’s best mobile network in some of the city’s busiest areas.

The collaborative project between EE, Ontix and Westminster City Council demonstrates a commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in the capital, ensuring that Westminster – home to over 211,000 residents, 50,000 businesses and over 25 million visiting tourists each year – remains at the forefront of mobile connectivity innovation. 

This innovative solution has been specifically designed for lamppost deployment, prioritising safety and weight considerations. Unlike traditional macro cells, small cells offer concentrated coverage, focusing connectivity on specific, high-demand areas. This targeted approach not only enhances capacity in some of London’s busiest zones but also addresses the unique challenges posed by Westminster’s dense urban environment. 

A key feature of this deployment is its seamless integration into the existing landscape. The small cell equipment is painted to blend with street furniture, minimising visual impact while maximising functionality. This approach additionally declutters the urban environment by utilising existing structures, reducing the need for additional street-level hardware.

What sets this deployment apart is its meticulous and forward-thinking approach. The Ontix project team has implemented a comprehensive pre-staging process to identify and address potential issues before installation. This includes thorough testing of equipment to ensure optimal performance from day one. By carefully preparing each location in advance, the team significantly reduces deployment time and minimises disruption in these high-traffic areas. This proactive approach is particularly vital in Westminster’s complex urban setting, where avoiding inconvenience to residents, businesses, and visitors is paramount.

The project followed a standardised build process, setting a new benchmark for small cell deployments. This method ensures consistency across all installations, making it quick and easy to set up the small cells, and also supports future expansion and upgrades. By establishing these standards, the deployment paves the way for more efficient and effective network enhancements in the future.

Jamie Olejnik, Head of Delivery Operations at Ontix, said: “This small cell deployment showcases Ontix’s expertise in small cell technology and our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions in complex urban environments. Our latest deployment is a testament to our commitment to innovation, designed specifically for seamless integration into existing street furniture while delivering exceptional performance. The holistic approach reflects a commitment to balancing technological advancement with urban aesthetics, ensuring that all stakeholders – from local authorities to end-users – are satisfied with the outcome.”

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “A modern city is powered by wireless broadband yet too often our residents and visitors struggle to get a signal, especially after dark. I’m proud we’re working with Ontix and EE to improve connectivity for all those who visit, work or live in Westminster with the latest mobile communications technology.”

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “This innovative small cell deployment with Ontix enhances 4G and 5G mobile connectivity for EE customers across the City of Westminster, one of London’s busiest areas serving not only as the centre of UK government but also a focal point for tourism and business. This project is the latest milestone in our network densification efforts as we continue to boost mobile capacity where it’s needed most across the UK.”

• O2 customers in Plymouth are set to benefit from enhanced mobile connectivity as six high-capacity small cells go live across the city
• The mobile small cells, which were deployed in partnership with Ontix, are powered by Virgin Media O2’s existing fibre network
• Small cells play a vital role in improving mobile network capacity in high-demand areas, including in busy city centres

Visitors, residents and businesses throughout Plymouth are now benefitting from an improved mobile experience and faster speeds after Virgin Media O2 has deployed six new small cells across the city.

The innovative technology is already boosting mobile capacity and reducing network traffic in some of the city’s busiest areas.

The small cells have been deployed in areas where customer demand on the network is highest, including at the busy Drake Circus shopping centre, and at the popular Theatre Royal. With over five million tourists visiting Plymouth each year, the small cells will provide a network capacity boost in these high-footfall areas, helping both residents and visitors.

Virgin Media O2 has connected the majority of the newly deployed small cells to its existing fibre network – a move which enabled the operator to get its services live faster than would otherwise be possible.

Small cells continue provide a cost-effective solution to improving network capacity in dense urban environments, commercial centres and visitor hotspots. Virgin Media O2 already boasts the largest deployment of small cells of any operator, with a large number live across the country.

Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, at O2 said: “At Virgin Media O2, we are investing around £2m per day and constantly innovating to bring reliable mobile coverage to all our customers. These small cells, powered by our existing fibre network, will improve the mobile experience in some of Plymouth’s most popular locations.”

The rollout has been delivered in partnership with small cell provider, Ontix.

Laura Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer, at Ontix said: “This deployment represents a milestone in our partnership with Virgin Media O2. By integrating small cell technology with their established fibre network, we’ve created a blueprint for urban connectivity that can be replicated across other UK cities. We’re focused on creating infrastructure models that deliver immediate connectivity benefits for consumers and long-term flexibility for future emerging technologies.”

These upgrades are part of Virgin Media O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.

Virgin Media O2 and its partner Ontix have deployed five new 4G sites across Soho Road and Handsworth areas of the city, providing a connectivity boost in two of Birmingham’s busiest areas.

Birmingham, UK 23rd January 2025 – Virgin Media O2 and Ontix have carried out work to boost mobile connectivity for residents and businesses in two areas of Birmingham. Soho Road and Handsworth will benefit from five new small cells that will boost mobile capacity in the local area and reduce network traffic at busy times.

These street-level mini masts, known as small cells, have been delivered by Ontix,  the neutral host company delivering next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service, and take advantage of existing street infrastructure to boost mobile capacity in high-demand areas.

Supported by Birmingham City Council and Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID), the move has been driven by a shared commitment to foster inclusivity and equal opportunities in Birmingham and transform the city’s digital landscape for its communities.

The project follows similar small call deployments, including in the city centre, which were delivered by the two companies in recent years.

The speed and efficiency of the project were made possible through an Open Access Agreement with Birmingham City Council signed in 2022, which allows operators and their partners to use council-owned assets, such as lamp posts, to deploy new cellular infrastructure to improve digital connectivity across the city.

Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “Small cells are an effective way of increasing local network bandwidth and play an important role in allowing us to keep up with rising customer demand. We are proud to have delivered these new sites in Soho Road and Handsworth, which will unlock opportunities for local residents and businesses. 

With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”

Local politicians and business organisations have expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for this much-needed initiative. 

Councillor Samia Suleman, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism said; “This is really good news for Soho and Handsworth This deployment represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and connected community, empowering residents to access vital online services, educational resources, and employment opportunities.”

Rakesh Soni, BID Manager at Soho Road Business Improvement District, said; “We are delighted to see the work that Virgin Media O2 and Ontix are doing in the area, and applaud their commitment to digital inclusion. This deployment will unlock tremendous potential for our local businesses, enabling them to harness the power of the internet to expand their reach and drive economic growth. It is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation.”

“For everything from GP appointments to job interviews, shopping deliveries and social media, the internet is a fundamental part of the fabric of today’s society, and it is only right that everyone should enjoy equal access,” said Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix. “By deploying small cell connectivity, we aim to facilitate a new era of digital empowerment in these two communities. Through enhanced access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity, residents will be better equipped to overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and fully participate in the digital economy. We are delighted to have worked with Virgin Media O2 to achieve this first-of-its-kind deployment, boosting digital opportunities where they’re needed most.”

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.

Virgin Media O2 customers will receive a boost to their 4G mobile service in central Reading as outdoor small cells increase network capacity.

London, UK, 9th September 2024 – Visitors, residents, businesses and students in Reading town centre will begin to benefit from an improved mobile experience and faster speeds after the first Virgin Media O2 small cells are deployed across the Borough.

Virgin Media O2 and Ontix partnered to bring small cells to Reading where the innovative technology is already boosting mobile capacity and reducing network traffic in major destinations at busy times.

The small cells have been deployed in some of the busiest areas across the town, including at Reading Station, Reading College, Reading Museum, the Abbey Ruins, and the Oracle Shopping Centre. With over 20 million^[1] people passing through Reading Station and over a million^[2] through the Oracle Shopping Centre each year, the small cells will provide a crucial boost to network capacity for these high-footfall areas, helping both residents and visitors.

By using small cells, which are quicker and easier to deploy, Virgin Media O2 customers are benefiting from improved coverage faster than would otherwise be possible. The operator is working with Ontix on a rollout across the country.

Previously, Virgin Media O2 and Ontix have closely worked together to deploy small cells in high-demand areas including London, Birmingham and the South East of England, as well as a recent deployment in Skegness. Small cells continue to bring value as a cost-effective solution to improving network capacity in dense urban environments, commercial centres and visitor hotspots.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition at Ontix, said: “We’re proud to be the first Neutral Host company bringing small cells to Reading. Working closely with Virgin Media O2, we ensured the delivery of this project was speedy, cost-effective and power-efficient. From local businesses, commuters and university students to shoppers and tourists seeking cultural hotspots, small cells provide faster network speeds and reduced network congestion for all, and we’re excited to see the results of this across Reading.”

Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “Small cells are an effective way of increasing local network bandwidth in busy areas and play an important role in allowing us to keep up with customer demand.”

“With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”

^[1]https://www.thetrainline.com/stations/reading#:~:text=Around%2020%20million%20passengers%20use,from%20London%20Paddington%20a%20day.

^[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-16201262

Attendees of the large, free-entry public events benefitted from Ontix’s ultra-fast public Wi-Fi installed on street furniture, supporting the operation of key facilities and devices

London, UK, 9 July 2024 – This summer, two of London’s most-loved, free-entry public events, Pride in London and West End Live 2024, benefitted from outdoor connectivity provided by Ontix, the company delivering next-generation wireless technology. 

Taking place over two consecutive weekends in June at the iconic hotspot of Trafalgar Square, over 70,000 musical theatre fans attended West End Live this year to see a star-studded lineup of West End musicals, and over 32,000 took part in the Pride in London parade alone with thousands more visiting to celebrate one of the largest and longest-running pride festivals in the country. With sponsors of West End Live including TikTok, digital-savvy visitors could access Ontix’s free public Wi-Fi to stream, transact, download, upload and communicate speedily without the risk of overloading network traffic. 

Ontix’s network carried over 100GB of data for Pride in London and 130GB for West End Live, equivalent to over a month’s worth of daily video streaming. Ontix has Wi-Fi units discreetly installed on existing street furniture, such as lampposts, and makes use of its existing fibre to create ultra-fast Wi-Fi access points and enhance wireless support for these large-scale, back-to-back events. 

The organisers of West End Live had additional support from Ontix in the form of a private Fixed Wireless Access network, providing a vital connectivity boost to maintain the continuous operation of critical infrastructure and key event facilities, such as CCTV and EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems. This helped create a secure and commercially successful environment for the organisers. 

Boosting connectivity at the London landmark was made possible thanks to Westminster City Council’s long-term concession agreement with Ontix, which sees their solution permanently installed on lampposts across the City of Westminster. Ontix’s technology showcased how public Wi-Fi is an easily deployable and game-changing solution for the operation and success of regular, high-footfall events in busy locations. 

Tom Hayden, Head of Engineering at Ontix, commented: “Outdoor Wi-Fi networks are an easily deployable, power-efficient and cost-effective solution quickly becoming essential for event organisers. For critical infrastructure and key facilities to operate properly, Wi-Fi networks can take the burden of thousands of people off mobile networks by providing an alternative connection. It’s not just about posting selfies – although public Wi-Fi is important for that too – it’s about easily creating a secure, efficient environment for regular large-scale events on an on-demand basis to ensure connectivity stays continuous.”

Virgin Media O2 customers will see a boost in their 4G mobile service in the UK’s second city as small cells go live in key sites across Birmingham

London, UK, 20 December 2023 – Residents, businesses and visitors in Birmingham have received a major boost to their mobile services after the first Virgin Media O2 small cells go live across some of the busiest sites in the UK’s second largest city. 

Working with its partner Ontix, the deployment marks a growth in the number of small cells deployed by Virgin Media O2 nationwide, boosting 4G network capacity in high-demand areas and improving customer experience.

The first sites are now live in Bath Row and Islington Row, improving network capacity for the busy commuters arriving at Five Ways station, which receives over 1 million visitors annually, and for the thousands who spend time at the markets and events in Edgbaston Village each year.

With more deployments planned in the coming months, Virgin Media O2 customers will see a significant boost to their service in other key areas of the city centre. This will include Birmingham’s most dynamic entertainment destination, Broad Street, which attracts 23 million visitors each year, and the heart of the business quarter on Snow Hill Queensway.

Virgin Media O2 has been working closely with Ontix to deploy small cells as a cost-effective solution to boost capacity in dense urban areas. Previously, the operator and Ontix have worked together to rollout small cells in London and the South East, as well as a recent deployment in Skegness.

The speed at which Virgin Media O2 and Ontix could deliver this project was only made possible with the support of Birmingham City Council and WM5G, who signed an Open Access Agreement with Ontix giving them permission to deploy small cells onto assets from a base of over 90,000 streetlights throughout the city. By strategically placing them in key areas of high demand, Virgin Media O2 is improving its network for residents, visitors and businesses.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition for Ontix said: “I’m delighted that Ontix has been able to become the first Neutral Host company to bring VMO2 small cells to Birmingham. As someone that grew up in the city, Birmingham holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m delighted to have played a small part in securing such a significant investment in new digital infrastructure for the region.”

“We’re proud to have worked closely with Virgin Media O2 to complete a streamlined and cost-effective end to end delivery of this project, and are grateful for the ongoing support of Birmingham City Council and WM5G for the Open Access Agreement that allows us to improve network capacity in key areas of the city.”

Paul Kells, Senior Director for Network Strategy & Engineering at Virgin Media O2, said: “With the largest small cell network of any major operator in the UK, we understand how effective they can be in boosting local network capacity in busy areas.”

“With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”

Cllr Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council said: “We welcome the investment made by Virgin Media O2 and Ontix to improve the mobile connectivity for our city. This promises to improve the mobile experience in the busiest areas at peak times in Birmingham and will make a significant difference for our local businesses and residents and builds on our Digital Birmingham commit to position the city as a leading international digital city.”

Rhys Enfield, Director of Infrastructure Acceleration at WM5G, said: “The need for fast, reliable internet connections and increased capacity has never been greater. Small cells have a key role to play providing secure, reliable mobile networks but the administrative process typically takes more than 12 months to complete. The Open Access Agreements helped us bring this down to just under two months and we’re delighted to now see the first small cells going live.”

Huge boost for the popular staycation destination as new small cell rollout boosts local mobile network

London, UK, 5 December 2023 – Residents, businesses and visitors to Skegness have received a major boost to their mobile services after Virgin Media O2 successfully completed a small cell trial in the area.

The project, delivered with its partner Ontix, has significantly boosted the operator’s network capacity in the Lincolnshire town which is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations. 

With Skegness welcoming over 2 million holiday visitors every year, Virgin Media O2 has been working for months, installing new mobile equipment to ensure its customers are able to enjoy the best service possible. 

The operator worked closely with Ontix, the company delivering Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service, and Lincolnshire County Council to trial small cells as a cost-effective and flexible way to boost capacity, a strategy typically used in dense urban areas. 

Small cells have been strategically placed on streetlights throughout the area to provide a major boost to the local 4G network, improving the experience of residents, tourists and businesses.

Richard Williams, Director of Acquisition, Ontix said: “The trial in Skegness is yet more proof that small cells deliver the network densification needed to drive the next generation of wireless networks. We were proud to work closely with Virgin Media O2 and provide a complete managed delivery service for this project. I’m delighted that the Highways team in Lincolnshire County Council provided such fantastic enthusiasm for the initiative and we’re grateful for their ongoing support. Their role as a proactive ‘Willing Landlord’, embracing the Open Access Agreement approach that is championed by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), simply cannot be overstated.”

”This project in Skegness demonstrates just one of the ways that Ontix is transforming the world of small cell deployment. Our model of designing, installing, and connecting small cells using our passive and active infrastructure, provides a complete end to end solution for mobile network operators, streamlining the whole process and reducing ongoing operational costs.”

Paul Kells, Director, Network Strategy and Engineering at Virgin Media O2 said: “With the largest small cell network of any major operator in the UK, we understand how effective they can be in boosting local network capacity in busy areas.”

“With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.”

Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for IT at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Our work with Virgin Media O2 and Ontix to upgrade its existing 4G mobile connectivity at such a popular location as Skegness is great news for those who live there, businesses trading and visitors coming here on holiday.”

“This is another example of our shared plans to get better capacity at peak times for the people of Lincolnshire.”

-ENDS-

About Ontix

Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix makes it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solutions. Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing this to operators. 

Ontix is excited to be working with Cambridgeshire County Council on its Connecting Cambridgeshire project, as part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Open Networks Ecosystem competition. We’re passionate about delivering cutting-edge, multi-vendor 5G Open RAN neutral host solutions to benefit areas of the UK and working alongside other partners to deliver community-oriented projects in Cambridgeshire is exactly that, as our CCO, Andy McKinnon says:

“We are so pleased to be a part of the consortium, led by Cambridgeshire County Council, to partner on this project as part of the groundbreaking DSIT Open Networks Ecosystem competition. At Ontix we believe that open RAN neutral host solutions are key to ensuring reliable mobile coverage across the UK and we’re proud to be overcoming connectivity challenges using small cell solutions. Ontix installing small cells in densely populated areas of Cambridgeshire brings reliable, high-speed 5G connectivity to its residents and businesses, fostering innovation and economic growth. We are delighted that DSIT has recognised the importance of open RAN in boosting digital opportunities across the UK and are thankful to Cambridgeshire County Council for including Ontix in the project to achieve this.”

Below is more information on the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition:

£88 million research and development boost for innovative connectivity to future proof UK mobile network

• Government announces £88 million investment in innovative open 5G connectivity solutions across the UK
• Funding awarded to 19 projects through the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition – designed to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of technology

Iconic sporting venues and tourism hotspots across the UK will see trials of new mobile tech designed to increase the resilience of the UK mobile network and ensure we are not overly reliant on any one form of technology, thanks to £88 million of UK Government R&D investment in innovative connectivity.

The 19 successful projects in the Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) Competition will demonstrate the reliability and feasibility of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and showcase their role in delivering resilient and future-proofed connectivity to UK citizens and businesses. 

The ONE competition helps deliver on the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in telecoms research and development, through investment in cutting-edge open hardware and software.

The funding will enable the successful projects to develop and demonstrate a range of innovative technological solutions to improve connectivity in places with some of the biggest demand on mobile services. This includes busy locations like cities, airports, stadiums, or large venues where many people use their devices simultaneously, posing a challenge for mobile networks to handle high levels of traffic.

The ONE competition was designed to demonstrate how this new way of building mobile networks can deliver fast, dependable connectivity in busy places where many people need wireless connections. Instead of using only one company’s equipment, Open RAN enables different companies’ technology to work together, which can make the network better and more flexible. 

The projects will initiate trials of open 5G networks across the country, in: 

• Major urban centres in Glasgow, Cambridge, Liverpool, Bath, and the City of London 
• Iconic sports and entertainment venues including Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, the National eSport Arena, Cambridge Corn Exchange, and Shelsley Walsh motorsport venue 
• The historic seaside resorts of Blackpool and Worthing 

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said: 

“Whether you’re in a busy city centre or a rural village, a fast and reliable mobile connection is vital to staying in touch, accessing services and doing business.

“In order to secure that, we need to embrace a diverse and secure range of technology that will underpin the network.

“The projects we’re backing today with £88 million in Government research and development investment will use innovative Open RAN solutions to make our mobile networks more adaptable and resilient, with future-proofed technology to support bringing lightning-fast connections across the country for many years to come.”

Running until March 2025, the projects are part of the government’s Open Networks Research and Development Fund, dedicated to building secure and resilient communications infrastructure and enhancing competition and innovation within the 5G telecoms supply chain. The full list of successful projects can be found here.

In a further boost to telecoms supply chain resilience and diversification, major mobile network operators BT/EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone to endorse the UK’s Open RAN Principles. 

The Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the ambition for 35% of the UK’s network traffic to pass through open and interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies by 2030. 

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK: 

“The development of open and interoperable RAN solutions is important to the UK’s mobile industry. This announcement highlights Mobile UK’s member operator’s ongoing R&D trial and deployment programmes, helping progress solutions to realise ambitions to grow traffic over open RAN architecture.”

Nick Johnson, Head of UKTIN said: 

“The Government’s funding to tackle adoption barriers of open mobile networks is another significant contribution to the telecoms industry, and once again highlights the important role the sector plays in driving connectivity and economic growth in the UK.

“Building a diversified telecoms infrastructure in the UK is crucial to unlocking opportunities for growth and creating a prosperous future. The projects announced today, in support of that mission, will both deliver exciting innovations and consider how to overcome some of the tricky but important challenges to wide-scale deployments.”

This announcement coincides with Vodafone’s recent start of Open RAN equipment installation at 2,500 sites in Wales and the South-West of England.

• The Open Networks Ecosystem (ONE) competition is part of the government’s £250 million 5G Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Strategy, fostering telecoms R&D projects including Future RAN Competition (FRANC), Future Open Networks Research Challenge, and entities like SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC Labs), UK Telecoms Innovation Network, and UK Telecoms Lab. 
• ONE launched on 14 March 2023, offering organisations funding to develop software and hardware products for enhanced open and interoperable technology, including funding for demonstrations of Open RAN technologies in high-demand density environments.
• The UK government’s Open RAN Principles set out the characteristics that open-interface solutions, such as Open RAN, should possess in order to deliver on the UK’s 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy’s goals for resilient and secure networks with competitive and innovative supply chains.

The UK Government and UK mobile network operators have a joint ambition to carry 35% of the UK’s mobile network traffic over open and interoperable RAN architectures by 2030. Read the agreement here.

Digital Catapult, in partnership with Ofcom, has announced the creation of a new Strategic Advisory Board and Industry Groups. The board and groups will support its cutting edge Open RAN testbed, SONIC (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) Labs. Ontix has been invited to join the Wireless Infrastructure Industry Group at Digital Catapult as a founder member. 

The group will focus on supporting Wireless Infrastructure, Neutral Host and Telecoms Services Providers for SONIC Labs and help realise UK Government ambitions. Ontix will be working alongside like-minded organisations including the Wireless Infrastructure Group, Verizon UK, and Circet UK.

SONIC Labs, funded by DCMS, is designed to promote new solution providers to enter the UK telecoms supply chain. The programme will drive the rollout of new wireless communication technologies such as Open RAN, enabling mobile networks to be built using a variety of different equipment suppliers.

Ontix and TCM IP Services are working to redefine the process of efficiently and affordably deploying 4G/5G-ready, fully JOTs-compliant, neutral host, in-building connectivity for multi-tenant properties

London, UK Tuesday 6^th September 2022 – Ontix, the company delivering Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service, and TCM IP Services, a leading IT and physical infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that they have partnered to deliver an innovative solution for in-building connectivity in the UK. Ontix’ specialist indoor team will deliver a full turnkey solution, including site survey and design, with TCM IP Services building out the solution, working with building owners and developers to install infrastructure and provide ongoing service. The two companies have already proven the model through successful pilot programs in prominent buildings across Central London.

Designed and delivered by Ontix, the new process will see the delivery of efficient and affordable Open RAN (O-RAN), indoor multi-operator mobile signal services for entire buildings, with the provision of carrier-grade 4G voice and data coverage for all UK mobile operators. TCM IP Services are contracted as a leading UK partner to deliver these exciting new services.

The innovative service model will see multi-operator indoor mobile services made available to all tenants, whatever the building, with the economies of scale delivered by the building-wide deployment offering significant improvements to tenants. The deployment will use small cell technology to provide comprehensive coverage throughout buildings, delivering unrivalled 4G performance with a clear upgrade path to 5G.

“As the world returns to the office following two years of remote working – and in many cases using mobile devices as a sole point of contact – it is imperative that everyone can get a mobile phone signal wherever they are in a building and whenever they need it,” said Patrick Bradd, CEO at Ontix. “Having excellent connectivity lies at the heart of the modern office, and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of delivering a new era of high-quality indoor coverage buildings alongside TCM and a roster of market-leading partners.”

“London is booming with ground-breaking property developments, pushing the boundaries of modern architecture and the smart technology that is embedded throughout their infrastructure,” said Thomas McAuley, Director at TCM IP Services. “We’re delighted to be working with Ontix to deliver this innovative and cost-effective connectivity solution providing the highest quality 4G coverage and future-proof infrastructure to also deliver 5G.”

About Ontix

Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix makes it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solutions. Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing this to operators. 

About TCM IP Services

TCM IP Services specialises in designing and implementing Smart Building Technology and Support services, and has a Blue-Chip list of clients, including some of the best known pedigree buildings in London.

Ontix has today announced its backing for London First’ Business Support for Ukraine initiative. As a member of London First, Ontix:

• Commits to offering jobs and wider support to Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, working in partnership with others to make sure they are fully supported, given the trauma they will have experienced.
• Is committed to working with London First and government at all levels to make employing all refugees more straightforward, recognising that many refugees currently in the UK are not in employment.

Patrick Bradd, CEO at Ontix, said: “The humanitarian and human toll of the situation in Ukraine has touched everyone, and Ontix are proud to be offering what assistance we can for displaced people through our support for London First with their launch of the Business Support for Ukraine scheme. This represents an important milestone, and we are committed to offering jobs and wider support to refugees from Ukraine, and working in partnership with others to ensure they are given every possible opportunity in the UK, especially considering the traumas they have experienced. We are dedicated to working with London First and the UK government at all levels to make employing refugees more straightforward, recognising that many refugees already in the UK are not in employment.”

Full details on London First and Business Support for Ukraine can be found at https://www.londonfirst.co.uk/campaigns/business-support-for-ukraine. 

London, UK – 16^th February, 2022 Ontix, the company delivering Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Sutton Council that will enable it to improve the mobile phone coverage across the borough, providing a real boost to residents and local businesses.

Building on initial plans to improve digital connectivity within the borough, the Council is keen to let operators such as Ontix use council-owned assets such as lamp posts to deploy new small cell mobile infrastructure. This will boost connectivity and improve user experience of mobile devices within the borough.

This new form of open access agreement, among the first of its kind in the UK, will enable faster connectivity and greater capacity for mobile networks, remedying pockets of patchy and congested mobile coverage known as ‘not-spots’ whilst providing an operational and commercial framework which prioritises the swift deployment of digital infrastructure when and where it is needed.

Deployments of small cells are due to start in early 2022. This work will also act as a foundation to pave the way for greater 5G coverage in Sutton, as part of the commitments made in the council’s Digital Strategy.

Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, said: “I’m pleased to see us making good progress to improve the digital connectivity within Sutton. This will be a huge boost to residents, particularly those living, working or visiting the so called ‘not-spots’, and will also be a very welcome improvement to our infrastructure for local businesses.”

Antony Tomlinson, Chief Strategy Officer at Ontix, said: “The events of the last 18 months have demonstrated how critical connectivity is to modern life, enabling businesses to adapt and creating the backbone on which a ‘new normal’ has been realised. We are delighted to be working with Sutton, who have helped us to develop this agreement and the operational relationships and processes that we need to enable us to deploy small cells – delivering high quality connectivity throughout the Borough to residents and local businesses, in places where previously it may have been thought impractical or impossible.”

As part of its Digital Strategy, Sutton Council has published an in-depth explainer of what 5G mobile technology means for the London Borough of Sutton.

Wireless industry veteran joins next generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider to drive growth in emerging neutral host market

London, UK Monday 10^th January 2022 –Ontix, the company delivering Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service, today announced the appointment of Andy McKinnon as Chief Commercial Officer, with overall responsibility for sales and marketing at the company. Mr. McKinnon has more than 30 years of global IT and telecommunications experience, most recently having served as a Senior Managing Consultant at Huawei, overseeing business modelling for new wireless innovations globally, as well as previous senior commercial roles at Nokia, Motorola and EDS.

“We are excited to welcome Andy to Ontix as we continue to pass key milestones in the deployment of our technology, further expand our partner networks, and build our team for the future,” said Patrick Bradd, Chief Executive Officer at Ontix. “Andy’s leadership and broad experience will be essential in supporting our growth as we continue to provide gigabit-speed wireless connectivity in places where previously it may have been thought impractical or impossible.”

“I am delighted to begin 2022 in a new role at Ontix – a fast-growing and innovative business whose technologies are vital to the world today,” said Mr. McKinnon. “The team shares a commitment to a vision of developing and deploying the highest quality and most up to date connectivity quickly and cost-effectively wherever it is required, outdoors and in, and the company is in a great position to help its customers as they begin their digital transformation journeys.”

Andy brings a wealth of industry knowledge and insight, with over 30 years in the IT and communications ecosystems and experience of large-scale voice and data solutions, primarily in the wireless space. His achievements include utilising wireless broadband to enhance business and ensure profitability for operators, as well as industry breakthroughs such as the first commercial implementation of 802.16a (pre-WiMAX), the world’s first national rollout of 802.16e (WiMAX) in Pakistan (May 2006), and managing to help secure Motorola’s No.1 position in this market globally. Most recently, he has headed up new business planning projects internationally for Huawei.

About Ontix

Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix makes it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solutions. Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing this to operators. https://brandconnect.uk/

Ontix and Mavenir, the Network Software Provider building the future of networks with cloud-native software that runs on any cloud and transforms the way the world connects, will be launching an Open RAN pilot for neutral host in-building connectivity in a central London office building, powered by Mavenir’s MAVair solution.

The Open RAN platform will be deployed at the Ontix Data Centre in London whilst the small cell units will be deployed at an Ontix’s customer building. The solution would enable Ontix to provide indoor mobile connectivity to typical areas like multi-tenanted offices, shopping malls, stadiums, hospitals, enterprise buildings and hot spots, delivering contiguous coverage and high-speed mobile connectivity to its enterprise customers and end consumers.

Delivering high-quality mobile connectivity in doors poses significant challenges to both operators and building owners, with a range of factors including the number of people in a building, construction materials and remote locations all impacting signal strength. It is imperative that any solution must provide service for all users, irrespective of the carrier they happen to be subscribed to, by using neutral host solutions.

Ontix and Mavenir will trial the delivery of a neutral host in-building, Open Virtualised Radio Access Network (Open vRAN) to provide enhanced connectivity. This includes the delivery and integration of Open RAN compatible, software upgradable small cells for enhanced in-building coverage and capacity.

“Open RAN is changing the dynamics of how cellular solutions are designed and delivered, and this deployment is at the cutting edge of the technology in the UK,” said Patrick Bradd, Chief Executive Officer at Ontix. “We are excited to be working on this ground-breaking Open RAN pilot to deploy a neutral host architecture to demonstrate its flexibility and how the use of commoditised hardware, can help to create the next generation of in-building networks.”

“Mavenir is delighted to partner with Ontix in addressing this demand from enterprises and consumers for mobile connectivity, especially in areas with poor indoor and in-building coverage. We are confident that using this innovative vRAN solution Ontix will be able to deliver a cost effective and a higher quality network to meet this growing demand,” said Stefano Cantarelli, Chief Marketing Officer at Mavenir.

The MAVair family includes Open vRAN designed with cloud-native virtualisation techniques, enabling the RAN to flex and adapt based on usage and coverage. Mavenir’s vRAN platform provides a fully scalable virtualised network architecture with open standard interfaces, providing neutral host solution providers the option of deploying radio units from different vendors. The vRAN platform uses software running on COTS (commercial off the shelf) hardware that provides cost effectiveness, more flexibility and agility to neutral host solution providers, whilst providing one architecture for many different user scenarios.

About Mavenir:

Mavenir is building the future of networks and pioneering advanced technology, focusing on the vision of a single, software-based automated network that runs on any cloud. As the industry’s only end-to-end, cloud-native network software provider, Mavenir is focused on transforming the way the world connects, accelerating software network transformation for 250+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. www.mavenir.com

About Ontix:

Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix makes it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solutions. Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing this to operators.

Telecoms industry veteran joins next generation wireless infrastructure provider as it targets ambitious growth in emerging neutral host market

London, UK Thursday 2nd September 2021 – Ontix, the company delivering Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service, has appointed Patrick Bradd as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Bradd is an experienced telecoms industry executive, with an extensive background in technology, operations, finance, and sales across a variety of service providers, managed service businesses, and telecom equipment vendors across Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North America. He has built and rapidly scaled technology businesses and most recently led the turnaround of QA Limited’s technology talent business as their Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, Patrick has held senior C-Level technology and operational leadership and Board roles at Essensys Ltd and Cable and Wireless Communications.

Over the past 12 months Ontix has begun the deployment of London’s first 5G-capable small cell network, currently being deployed across the City of Westminster, as well as forging ahead with the provision of fixed wireless access, and public and Passpoint Wi-Fi networks.

On his appointment, Bradd said; “I am honoured and delighted to be taking over the leadership of Ontix. In my short time with the business, I have been impressed and excited to witness the dedication of the team here and can’t wait to get to work. Ontix’s focus on underserved markets, as well as our growing partner ecosystem, means the company is in a great position to help our customers as they begin digital transformations with the goal of improved connectivity.

“The events of the last 18 months have demonstrated how critical connectivity is to modern life, enabling businesses to adapt and creating the backbone on which a ‘new normal’ has been realised, and allowing all of us to communicate. Working with Ontix’s partners, I hope to continue our work, quickly and efficiently providing gigabit-speed wired and wireless connectivity in places where previously it may have been thought impractical or impossible.”

Thor Johnsen, co-founder and board member said; “We are thrilled that Patrick has joined to lead a terrific management team and business. We look forward to working with Patrick and team to continue to build on the exciting success Ontix has achieved as a leading small cell wireless infrastructure service provider.”

About Ontix
Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider, disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix makes it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solutions. Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing this to operators.

Judges Recognize Company in Excellence in Commercial Deployment by an Alternative Service Provider Category

London 12^th May 2021 Ontix, the company delivering Next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service, today announced that its pioneering work in delivering a neutral host solution across central London has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Commercial Deployment by an Alternative Service Provider category at the annual SCF Small Cell Awards, organised by Small Cell Forum.

Since June 2020 Ontix has deployed 5G-ready operator small cells across the heart of London in partnership with MNOs, Westminster City Council and the New West End Company (NWEC), a business partnership of 600 UK & international retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers and property owners in London’s West End, the world’s top shopping and leisure destination. Ontix’ Metrohaul solution combines a neutral host and backhaul network which currently covers Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street – Europe’s busiest shopping street.

The award winners will be announced on May 13^th at a virtual awards ceremony as part of the Small Cells World Summit.

“The value in neutral host isn’t about the technology, it lies in moving beyond the theoretical and installing operational networks quickly in the places where they can provide the most value to operators and end-users,” said Barney Dickinson, COO of Ontix. “We are delighted that our deployment across central London has been recognised for such a high-profile, prestigious awards alongside such illustrious competition.”

Westminster street market traders, customers and visitors will soon benefit from superfast Wi-Fi connectivity thanks to Ontix’s next-generation network – now in roll-out

London 8^th April 2021 Next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider Ontix is delivering a major boost to six key street markets in the London borough of Westminster with the roll-out of a new, fast public Wi-Fi service that will benefit traders, customers and visitors. The Westminster Markets Wi-Fi Network will deliver superfast Wi-Fi connectivity to street markets located in Church Street, Berwick Street, Strutton Ground, Tachbrook Street, Maida Hill and Rupert Street.

The new free-to-use public Wi-Fi service will offer gigabit-speed outdoor wireless data connection, helping to speed mobile internet browsing and data downloads for traders and their customers – a crucial requirement given current COVID-19 trading restrictions.  The service – part of an umbrella Wi-Fi network being deployed by Ontix throughout Westminster – will also include Passpoint™ connectivity, which streamlines network access in Wi-Fi hotspots and eliminates the need for users to find and authenticate a network each time they connect, ensuring seamless network access and roaming between hotspots. 

This latest milestone implementation extends Ontix’s growing infrastructure footprint in Central London. Under an exclusive 10-year partnership with Westminster City Council inked in 2018, Ontix has been successfully rolling out next-generation wireless services via street furniture assets across the borough, including its new Metrohaul neutral host backhaul network in Trafalgar Square, supporting 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, broadband and Smart City technologies.

Debbie Jackson, Executive Director for Growth, Planning and Housing at Westminster City Council said: “Westminster City Council wants to provide every possible support for our businesses and local communities across our city, and the rollout of this Wi-Fi service is just one of the ways we are providing a digitalised springboard for our cherished street markets.

“Businesses need an online presence more than ever and that includes market traders. By providing this next-generation Wi-Fi service and securing digital connectivity,  this will allow traders to reach a new and wider audience of customers.”

Barney Dickinson, COO of Ontix, adds: “By quickly and efficiently deploying gigabit-performance wireless connectivity to these and other key areas, Ontix is playing a crucial role in enabling businesses, residents and visitors to stay connected, to keep trading, and to build vibrant, engaged and digitally inclusive communities going forward.” 

Last year, Ontix delivered the first Passpoint™ Hotspot 2.0 Wi-Fi network in Central London, offering consumers enhanced connectivity and seamless roaming across London’s iconic landmark Trafalgar Square. The first-of-its-kind public Wi-Fi service is running alongside its existing small cell wireless network, and extension is now underway to other notspots across the wider Westminster borough under an exclusive 10-year concession agreement with Westminster City Council.   

The Wi-Fi is part of the wider Digital Street Markets Project which is jointly funded by Westminster City Council and the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Greater London Authority is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

A landmark area for tourists, wireless infrastructure provider Ontix together with GlobalReach Technology, has provided the area with ultra-fast outdoor public Wi-Fi since late 2019.

Trafalgar Square is at the centre of London’s City of Westminster and sees an average of 1.1 million daily visitors. A landmark area for tourists, wireless infrastructure provider Ontix together with GlobalReach Technology, has provided the area with ultra-fast outdoor public Wi-Fi since late 2019.

Running alongside the existing Ontix small cell wireless network, the Wi-Fi service delivers high-speed wireless backhaul for enhanced user connectivity and is also the first outdoor Central London service to include Passpoint, which is provided by GlobalReach.

The technology has made it possible to open the network to mobile operators looking to offload their traffic in a dense, inner-city centre, where delivering cellular coverage and capacity to meet demand can be a challenge.

This is what appealed to AT&T, the U.S. mobile operator that is at the forefront of providing its international subscribers with free Wi-Fi roaming over the network.

A Better User Experience

Using a Passpoint profile remotely installed onto their devices AT&T customers can move automatically between the cellular service to Wi-Fi – and back again. The profile takes care of seamless user onboarding both onto the Wi-Fi roaming service and the Wi-Fi network, with the benefit of having to pay international voice roaming rates.

“This is the first of a number of exciting projects we are now delivering in central London and beyond, and is a flagship demonstration of the quality and performance of our Metrohaul architecture for both Wi-Fi and small cell backhaul. This architecture and the infrastructure-as-a-service approach that Ontix is innovating in these roll-outs is going to be crucially important for next-generation wireless, and we will be expanding our deployments throughout this year – enabling operators to offer exceptional connectivity and service to mobile users across the UK.”
Ontix COO, Barnaby Dickinson

Commercial Roaming Agreements

For Westminster City Council, the high-speed network is both a key public utility for the borough and has the potential to help bridge the digital divide, by delivering connectivity to areas where households may not otherwise be connected to the internet.

“We are extremely proud to have brought this ultra-high-quality, ultra-high-performance network to Trafalgar Square, enabled by the outstanding technical and service delivery from Ontix and GlobalReach. We will be continuing our ambitious programme of innovation for our key stakeholders across the borough. Our vision is to deliver an umbrella next-generation network that will ultimately span the whole of Westminster – offering world-leading levels of connectivity and service to businesses, residents and visitors.”
Westminster Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

The network has been successfully trialled by two major international operators and is now open to other global operators looking to offer their customers Wi-Fi roaming capabilities and free VOIP calls.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 120GB of data carried by the network over New Year 2019
• 1TB carried over Christmas and New Year 2019
• Daily Wi-Fi speeds in excess of 100MBs per second.

1. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/ward-profiles 2018 report.

2. 120.37GB for 31st December 2019 & 1 January 2020.

3. Figures from 18 December 2019 – 11 January 2020 inclusive.

Mobile customers of US-based operator AT&T (NYSE:T) are now able to seamlessly connect in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, with the launch of a new ultra-fast Passpoint Wi-Fi network from next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider Ontix.

London, UK, 3rd December 2020 – Mobile customers of US-based operator AT&T (NYSE:T) are now able to seamlessly connect in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square, with the launch of a new ultra-fast Passpoint Wi-Fi network from next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider Ontix. 

Launched in early 2020, the Ontix Wi-Fi service is the first in Central London to offer Passpoint™ connectivity, which is provided by GlobalReach Technology. A solution to mobile connectivity and capacity challenges in dense, inner-city areas, AT&T is pioneering the use of the service to provide automatic roaming through SIM authentication for its mobile customers.

Using this innovative networking standard, overseas AT&T subscribers auto-attach to the Wi-Fi network using the operator’s Passpoint profile which has been installed onto their devices. The profile takes care of seamless user onboarding both onto the Wi-Fi roaming service and the Wi-Fi network and provides the benefit of free VoIP calls.

Installed on lampposts and street furniture assets with high-speed wireless backhaul, the outdoor Ontix Wi-Fi service has been successfully running alongside Ontix’s existing small cell wireless network since January, and is a key validation of Ontix’s hybrid Metrohaul architecture for both Wi-Fi and small cell backhaul in dense urban areas. The high-performance Wi-Fi service is fully available to the public and is set to be extended across Westminster during Q1 2021 under Ontix’s exclusive 10-year concession agreement with Westminster City Council, boosting connectivity in high-footfall retail areas.

Jeff Feldstein, director of Global Connection Management at AT&T: “AT&T’s key focus is on ensuring optimal connectivity for our mobile subscribers, wherever they are in the world. Through Ontix’s incorporation of Passpoint connectivity from GlobalReach Technology, we can automatically download a profile onto customers’ devices and deliver seamless user onboarding – both for Wi-Fi hotspot roaming and for connecting to Ontix’s ultra-fast Wi-Fi network. AT&T subscribers in Central London can now automatically move from the cellular service to Wi-Fi, and back again, experiencing high-quality, high-speed wireless service that can meet even the most demanding voice and data needs of our customers.”

Ontix CEO Thor Johnsen added: “The enthusiastic uptake of this service by AT&T’s U.S. international roaming customers demonstrates the value of Ontix’s approach in innovating this first for Central London, and the clear demand for ultra-high performance connectivity delivering through seamless roaming. Our Wi-Fi service is available to all UK and global cellular operators looking to maximise their coverage footprint in Central London, and seeking to boost capacity by offloading traffic from the macro network. Through our innovative approach, AT&T is able to provide its mobile users with exceptional connectivity and lower-cost roaming, free VoIP calls, plus seamless Wi-Fi roaming right across this popular tourist area.”

ENDS

About Ontix (www.ontix.co.uk)

Ontix is a UK-based next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider. Ontix is making it cheaper, easier, and quicker for mobile operators and other wireless network providers to add wireless small cells to their networks through its turnkey solution.

Ontix is changing the entire process for network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing it to operators. This transformative business model enables operators to quickly benefit from small cells with 5G-ready connectivity at a much lower cost – with go-live in 8 weeks rather than 8 months.

Nicky Denovan | nicky@evokedset.com | +44 (0) 118 328 2782

Kate Cleevely | kate.cleevely@globalreachtech.com / 07754 920043

Next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider Ontix is rolling out superfast, free public Wi-Fi across the London borough of Bexley – delivering an unparalleled public Wi-Fi experience to businesses, residents and visitors, and providing a major boost to the borough’s wireless infrastructure that will bolster its future growth.

London, UK, 10th December 2020 –Next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider Ontix is rolling out superfast, free public Wi-Fi across the London borough of Bexley – delivering an unparalleled public Wi-Fi experience to businesses, residents and visitors, and providing a major boost to the borough’s wireless infrastructure that will bolster its future growth.

The new network is now live in Bexley’s main town centres of Erith, Welling, Sidcup and Crayford, with Bexley Village and Bexleyheath also ‘switched on’. Mobile users wishing to use the network simply complete a one-time-only registration process and are then free to experience the high-bandwidth service free from advertisements.

Councillor Louie French, Bexley’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth comments: “This is an important step forward for Bexley, and is part of our strategy to improve digital connectivity so that the area is well placed to take advantage of future growth. By implementing this free-to-use Wi-Fi network, we are giving local people what they need wherever they are – reliable internet on the go.

Thor Johnsen, CEO at Ontix, adds: “We are absolutely delighted to be providing this exceptional new wireless service to the communities of Bexley, who are now benefitting from a level of connectivity, speed and performance that far exceeds the standard people have come to expect from public Wi-Fi.” He continues: “Ontix is keen to extend this next-generation wireless infrastructure right across the borough – including rolling out 4G and 5G capability – and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the London Borough of Bexley and improving the mobile experience from everyone in the Borough throughout the coming months.”

This latest implementation by Ontix is part of its accelerating programme of delivery that is bringing lightning-fast wireless performance to mobile customers, beginning in London before widening out to the rest of the UK.

Ontix recently delivered the first Hotspot 2.0 Wi-Fi network in Central London, offering consumers enhanced connectivity in the busy area of Trafalgar Square. The new public Wi-Fi service is running alongside its existing small cell wireless network, and will be extended to other not-spots across the wider Westminster borough under an exclusive 10-year concession agreement with Westminster City Council. Late last year, Ontix also switched on a flagship broadband service in the bustling market section of Berwick Street in London’s Soho – showcasing its ability to deliver speeds of up to a gigabit per second via innovative Fixed Wireless Access connectivity.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Ontix (www.ontix.co.uk)

Ontix is a next-generation infrastructure-as-a-service provider that is disrupting the business model for delivering lightning-fast connectivity wherever it is needed. Ontix is making it cheaper, easier and quicker for mobile operators and other wireless network providers to add next-generation wireless networks through its turnkey solution.

Today, Ontix is transforming the entire process for wireless network densification by investing in shared small cell infrastructure – including connectivity – and licensing it to operators. This innovative business model enables operators to quickly benefit from small cells with 5G-ready connectivity at a much lower cost – with go-live in 8 weeks rather than 8 months. 

Ontix also delivers super-fast gigabit fibre services direct to businesses and consumers through its Ontix Fibre solution.

We’re excited to announce that Ontix has been shortlisted for a prestigious Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) Award 2020.

Together with partner GlobalReach Technology, we’ve been recognised in the Best Wi-Fi Network Technology category for our delivery of the first central London Passpoint outdoor high-speed WiFi network – with roaming for AT&T mobile customers. You can read more about this landmark deployment in this online case study.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 29 October 2020, during WBA’s Wireless Global Congress online webinar series.

The full list of shortlisted nominees across all categories is now available on the WBA website.

We’re pleased to announce that Thor Johnsen, CEO at Ontix, will feature as an invited panellist at the virtual Capacity Europe 2020 being held from 19 – 22 October. Thor will be speaking as part of the Digital Infra Leaders Europe Track, and will be joining other tech and communications industry leaders to explore the theme ‘European 5G: A market in limbo?’. The panel will be live-cast via the event website from 16.20-17:00 BST on Tuesday 20th October. This exclusive session will take an in-depth look at the challenges that 2020 has presented after a strong period of 5G rollouts in Europe, and discuss how the industry can collaborate to overcome these issues.

Capacity Europe unites carrier, data centre, cloud, content, peering, SMS and satellite communities to network, trade and learn.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Capacity Europe is a key highlight in the ICT event calendar, supporting annual trading deals via its global meeting platform, alongside an impressive conference programme covering the latest trends across three tracks and six themes.

For the full agenda and details of how to register for a free conference pass, please visit the event website. You can follow the event live on social media via the official hashtags: #CapacityEurope #KeepingTheWorldConnected.

Our COO Barnaby Dickinson will speak on a key virtual panel tomorrow at ADTRAN’s Broadband & Business Solution Virtual Summit. Barnaby will be contributing expert commentary based on Ontix’s successful Fixed Wireless Access deployments, as part of the ‘Extending the Fiber Experience to All’ panel being held on Tuesday September 2, 2020 from 12:15 – 1:00 PM CDT.

This panel discussion will offer an in-depth discussion of fiber extension technologies, in particular for gigabit service, and explore the range of options that operators have at their disposal for hybrid network alternatives when full fiber deployment is not immediately practical.

This ADTRAN event brings together a breadth of different operators to discuss the latest innovations in communications services, broadband access technologies, and business solutions. The resulting conversations provide real-world perspective on evolving demands in communications, and explore how network infrastructure and services can better connect people. 

For more information, please visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/dc898504-41fa-4f10-9dae-7a37c053c4b4/summary

Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service Provider Ontix Switches on Gigabit Broadband Service in London’s Soho.

London, UK, November 27 2019 – Ontix Limited, the next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider, today announces that it has switched on a flagship broadband service in the bustling market section of Berwick Street in London’s Soho – showcasing its ability to deliver speeds of up to a gigabit per second via innovative Fixed Wireless Access connectivity.

The Berwick Street area – which includes one of London’s oldest and most loved street markets – has previously been overlooked by fibre providers, leaving residents and businesses with no access to high-speed broadband. The Ontix solution is using Hybrid mmWave wireless links to deliver ultra-high performance connectivity to customer premises throughout this busy urban hotspot.

Antony Tomlinson, Chief Executive at Ontix, comments: “This is a milestone deployment for Ontix. We are incredibly excited to be rolling out fibre-like, gigabit broadband in central London, connecting areas where fibre deployment has been economically challenging, and finally ending the frustration of underserved customers. Most people’s experience of using broadband is already wireless – using devices connected to Wi-Fi – so our Fixed Wireless Access solution offers an unmatched solution for quickly, easily and cost-effectively meeting pent-up consumer demand for lightning-fast, gigabit service, right across the capital and beyond.” 

Ontix is set to begin a nationwide launch of its Fixed Wireless Services in 2020, initially offering services in central London, before offering services in cities up and down the UK.

Ontix is pioneering a transformative model for deploying next-generation wireless infrastructure – streamlining small cell densification projects and significantly reducing cost and time-to-market.

Through its innovative infrastructure-as-a-service approach, Ontix takes complete ownership of acquiring and building shareable next-generation infrastructure, including connectivity. Ontix then makes its 5G-ready infrastructure available to MNOs as part of a comprehensive, end-to-end managed service.

The Ontix team has worked closely with key partners – including the City of London Corporation, Westminster City Council, mobile network operators and equipment vendors – to develop a proven architecture that is today enabling live, successful multi-operator small cell solutions for street furniture assets.

Next-Generation Wireless Infrastructure-as-a-Service Provider Ontix Wins Contract to Deliver 5G-Ready Wireless Connectivity Across Westminster

10-Year Strategic Partnership To Drive Major Central London Deployment of Small Cells, Including Launch of Next-Generation Neutral Host ‘Metrohaul’ Network

London, UK, September 21 2018 – Ontix Limited, the next-generation wireless infrastructure-as-a-service provider, today announces that it has signed a major new strategic partnership with Westminster City Council that will deliver world-class wireless service to residents, businesses and visitors across the celebrated London borough. Ontix will begin by deploying a pilot wireless small cell network – available for trial by all operators – in Trafalgar Square in November.

Following a competitive tender, Westminster City Council has awarded a 10-year concession contract giving Ontix exclusive rights to deploy small cells on the Council’s street furniture and lampposts, providing next-generation wireless infrastructure to mobile operators and other wireless network operators. As part of the long-term partnership, Ontix will also build a high capacity, neutral-host ‘Metrohaul’ network to deliver 5G-ready connectivity for all operators.

The vast borough of Westminster encompasses many of London’s most popular tourist attractions, from Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey through to the West End, Covent Garden, Paddington and beyond. With an exponential increase in the demand for mobile data, pressure on the borough’s legacy network infrastructure has been growing, with operators struggling to access enough suitable rooftop sites to deploy the macro cells they have been using to date. The Council has therefore been actively seeking to harness its borough-managed assets to improve mobile coverage and capacity and boost the UK’s ambitions to become a world leader in 5G.

Selecting Ontix from an exhaustive comprehensive review of potential partners, Westminster City Council was impressed by the Ontix team’s innovative operating model, proven capability, and target pricing to operators. Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Economic Development Education and Community at Westminster City Council said: “Economically, socially and culturally, London is probably the best-connected city in the world. So stands to reason that the 1.6 million people who live, do business and sightsee across Westminster each day should benefit from the world’s fastest and most reliable wireless service. This new micro-technology will finally relegate ‘not-spots’ to the digital dustbin of history and Westminster will now embody the UK’s ambition to become a world leader in 5G.”

The highly experienced Ontix team has been instrumental in the success of small cell deployments in the UK and is now bringing its track record of excellence to this landmark Westminster small cell concession.
Antony Tomlinson, Chief Executive at Ontix, added: “We are very excited to be working together with Westminster City Council on this very significant project for the capital. This is a huge opportunity, and one of the very first of its kind on this scale. 5G promises to deliver a huge impact, socially and economically, but we need to make it a reality. Partnerships like this are where it happens.”

No More ‘Not-Spots’

London, UK, 21st September 2018 – Westminster City Council’s lamp posts will help deliver world-class wireless service to residents, businesses and visitors across the city, finally putting an end to pockets of poor connection known as ‘not-spots’. The Council is harnessing its street assets to boost network capacity and create next-generation infrastructure for the roll-out of high-speed 5G services.

Following a competitive tender, leading wireless infrastructure provider Ontix Limited will deploy unobtrusive ‘small cell’ nodes on the Council’s street furniture, eliminating coverage holes and providing faster connectivity and higher capacity to mobile operators and other wireless network operators. For mobile users, this will deliver much faster speeds for data-intensive services such as video streaming, gaming and mobile browsing.

A pilot wireless small cell network – available for trial by all operators – will be deployed in Trafalgar Square this November, and the rollout across the wider Westminster area is expected to continue during 2019, spanning many of London’s most popular tourist attractions.

In recent years, pressure on Westminster’s legacy network infrastructure has been growing, with operators struggling to access enough suitable rooftop sites to deploy the macro cells they have been using to date.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Economic Development Education and Community at Westminster City Council said:

“Economically, socially and culturally, London is probably the best-connected city in the world. So it stands to reason that the 1.6 million people who live, do business and sightsee across Westminster each day should benefit from the world’s fastest and most reliable wireless service. This new micro-technology will finally relegate not ‘not-spots’ to the digital dustbin of history and Westminster will now embody the UK’s ambition to become a world leader in 5G.”

The Ontix team has been instrumental in the success of small cell deployments in the UK, including a landmark project in the capital.

Antony Tomlinson, Chief Executive at Ontix, said:

“We are excited to be working together with Westminster City Council on this significant project for the capital. This is a huge opportunity, and one of the first of its kind on this scale. 5G promises to deliver a huge impact, socially and economically, but we need to make it a reality. Partnerships like this are where it happens.”

As part of the ten-year deal with Westminster, Ontix will also build a high capacity, neutral-host ‘Metrohaul’ network to deliver 5G-ready connectivity for all operators.