Brent Council and Cellnex UK have signed a long-term agreement that will ensure improvements in mobile connectivity continue across the Borough.

The Council will provide access to lighting columns for Cellnex UK to deploy small cell technology used by Mobile Network Operators to increase mobile coverage and capacity. Offering residents and businesses world-class connectivity is key to delivering Brent’s ambition to become a truly digital borough. This vision is set out in the Borough’s Digital Strategy.

Cellnex UK already provides vital connectivity in the borough. Smalls cells have been widely accepted as a crucial part of advancing mobile infrastructure in the UK, given their capacity to boost vital connectivity and coverage in localised areas. As the UK's largest independent telecoms infrastructure provider, the new agreement will allow Cellnex UK to continue to provide Mobile Operators with access to sites in the borough to quickly and cost-effectively deliver coverage to people and businesses.

Brent is one of seven boroughs that make up the West London Alliance, a partnership that collaborates on strategic issues, including digital connectivity. Through the West London Alliance’s digital programme, West London boroughs are pursuing the shared aim of using cutting-edge technology to provide improved public services, reduce inequality and cut carbon emissions.

West London boroughs are developing better ways of working with telecom operators, making it quicker and easier to improve networks. Activity has included moving to an open-access approach, which allows assets to be used by multiple operators to maximise connectivity and is championed by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).

The package is further supported by West London Alliance’s Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator, one of eight DSIT pilots developing digital asset management solutions for mapping and brokerage of publicly owned assets for use in the rollout of wireless communication networks. This means that residents and businesses can access faster and more reliable services sooner and will be well placed to reap the economic and social benefits of next generation technology.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council “It’s exciting to see the innovative approach to digital infrastructure taken by Brent Council and its partners being such a success. The enhanced connectivity will support our residents and business now, and into the future, as new opportunities continue to present themselves.”

Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director, Cellnex UK said, “During the past three years, our reliance on mobile connectivity increased immensely, as we tried hard to work from home, educate our children and stay in touch with friends and family. As we strive to support economic recovery and reduce digital inequalities across London and the UK, it has become even more critical to speed up deployment and ensure the resilience of our networks through innovative and forward-thinking partnerships like this with Brent Council.

David Francis, Director of West London Alliance, said: “The WLA’s digital programme is supporting boroughs to adopt new ways of working with operators and sends a message that West London is ‘open to access’. This will not only improve mobile connectivity for all but create opportunities to tackle digital exclusion and support business innovation, by ensuring residents and businesses can access affordable, secure and reliable connectivity.”