Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), a British broadband and mobile operator, has announced its latest initiative—the smart pole trial—in partnership with shareholder, Liberty Global.
As part of the trial, VMO2 installed 4G and 5G smart poles on their existing fiber network to improve mobile network coverage and capacity. Smart poles contribute to improving mobile network coverage and capacity by integrating 4G and 5G technology. In densely populated urban areas, traditional cell towers may face limitations in providing seamless connectivity due to congestion and signal interference. Smart poles help address these issues by bringing connectivity closer to users.
Building a Scalable Network
Smart poles are designed to blend into urban landscapes seamlessly. Unlike traditional cell towers, which can be visually obtrusive and face opposition from local communities, smart poles are often aesthetically pleasing and can serve additional functions beyond providing connectivity. They can house sensors for environmental monitoring, surveillance cameras for public safety, or even serve as charging stations for electric vehicles, thus contributing to smart city initiatives.
Smart poles offer scalability and flexibility in network deployment. They can be strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic or where network congestion is common, providing targeted coverage where it’s needed most. Moreover, they can be easily upgraded or retrofitted with new technology as network demands evolve, ensuring long-term viability and adaptability.
Furthermore, smart poles equipped with sensors and IoT devices can generate valuable data insights for various stakeholders, including city planners, utility companies, and businesses. This data can be used to optimize urban infrastructure, improve public services, and enhance overall quality of life.
The poles are smaller than standard mobile masts and can be installed quickly and without regulatory hurdles such as planning permission. Because VMO2 has approximately 25,000 street cabinets spread across the UK, the trial enables a large-scale rollout that could accelerate network construction, reduce costs, and de-risk upgrade programs.
Smarter Solutions for the UK
The company also claims that in the UK, electricity “is supplied by Virgin Media’s fiber network rather than a traditional power supply through innovative ‘digital electricity’ technology, which transmits power from on-street cabinets in the local area along fiber optic cables.”
It is also possible that the smart poles will be used in the future to power smart city solutions and electric vehicle chargers via the company’s existing network.
“As we continue investing to upgrade and expand our network, we’re always looking for new ways to work smarter and deliver more for our customers,” said Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, in a press release.
“The ability to use our existing national fixed network to backhaul and power small cells could be transformational, helping us save time and money, open up new revenue streams, support smart city technology and fully leverage the benefits of our scaled converged network,” she continued.
The smart pole trial initiated by Virgin Media O2 and Liberty Global underscores the growing importance of smart infrastructure solutions in addressing the connectivity needs of modern urban environments. By leveraging existing fiber networks and integrating 4G and 5G technology, smart poles offer enhanced connectivity, efficient resource utilization, and opportunities for data-driven innovation, thereby contributing to the development of smarter, more connected cities.
