Virgin Media O2 Partners with Ontix to Boost Mobile Coverage in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, UK – Virgin Media O2 has announced a new partnership with wireless infrastructure provider Ontix to enhance mobile service across the city of Plymouth. The collaboration aims to deploy over 150 small cell sites, targeting areas with high footfall and network demand.

“Plymouth’s bustling city center has seen a surge in mobile data usage, with a 35% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels,” revealed James Tappenden, Virgin Media O2’s Network Strategy Director. “By working with Ontix, we’ll be able to provide a significant boost in network capacity and speeds for our customers.”

Small Cells to Complement Existing Infrastructure

The small cell sites, roughly the size of a shoebox, will be strategically installed on street furniture like lampposts and CCTV columns. These low-powered base stations operate on licensed cellular frequencies, offloading data traffic from the macro network.

“Small cells are crucial for addressing network congestion in high-density urban areas,” explained Patrick Bradd, Ontix CEO. “Plymouth’s narrow streets and tall buildings can impede signal propagation, but these compact units will help fill coverage gaps and enhance overall network performance.”

Faster Speeds and Improved Reliability

Virgin Media O2 customers can expect download speeds up to 150 Mbps once the small cell network is fully operational. The deployment will also increase network reliability, ensuring seamless connectivity for mobile users.

“I often struggle with dropped calls and slow data speeds when shopping in the city center,” said Sarah Thompson, a 28-year-old Plymouth resident. “Knowing that Virgin Media O2 is taking steps to improve coverage is reassuring. I can’t wait to see the difference it makes.”

Phased Rollout Planned

The small cell deployment will occur in phases, focusing initially on Plymouth’s city center and waterfront areas. Over 50 sites are expected to be live by the end of September, with the remaining locations activated in the coming months.

“We’ve identified key hotspots where small cells can have the greatest impact,” noted Tappenden. “By prioritizing these areas, we’ll be able to deliver noticeable improvements for a significant portion of our Plymouth customer base in a relatively short timeframe.”

A Boost for Local Businesses

Improved mobile connectivity is expected to benefit Plymouth’s local businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors. With faster speeds and more reliable service, merchants can better leverage mobile payment systems and online ordering platforms.

“As a small business owner, I rely on mobile connectivity to process card payments and manage deliveries,” said Mark Johnson, proprietor of a popular café on the waterfront. “A stronger, more consistent network will help me serve my customers more efficiently and ultimately grow my business.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Virgin Media O2 and Ontix in Plymouth represents a significant step forward in the operator’s network enhancement strategy. With the successful deployment of small cells in the city, the collaboration could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the UK.

As mobile data demand continues to grow, innovative infrastructure solutions like small cells will play an increasingly vital role in delivering the seamless connectivity that customers expect. For Virgin Media O2 customers in Plymouth, the future of mobile service looks brighter than ever.