Vodafone has signed a global agreement with advertising giant JCDecaux to deploy small cells in its hoardings.
The deal is part of the UK-based operator’s £19 billion (€24 billion) Project Spring network upgrade programme. Vodafone said the partnership will help it extend its coverage, improve its voice services and increase the quality of its data networks.
The operator will focus on rolling out small cells to densely populated areas. It will deploy and manage the technology while JCDecaux will design and build the housing for the small cells.
Both companies trialled the technology in the Netherlands, installing more than 160 small cells in bus shelters across Amsterdam.
The deal follows this week’s announcement that Vodafone would deploy the Ericsson Dot technology in the Netherlands in a bid to improves its coverage. http://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/Press-Wire/vodafone-netherlands-dashes-to-deploy-ericsson-dot
Kevin Salvadori, Director of Technology Strategy and Operations, Vodafone Group commented: “This agreement will help us accelerate the deployment of small cell technology by giving us access to locations that in the past have not been available for network installations.”
The Vodafone deal follows partnerships that JC Decaux has made with Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent to develop small cell technology.
Jean-Charles Decaux, Chairman of the Executive Board and Co-CEO of JCDecaux, said: “After successful testing in Amsterdam, we are pleased to continue our collaboration with Vodafone by supporting its strategy to develop the quality of its networks. Connected street furniture is set to transform city life and JCDecaux is enthusiastic about contributing to these structural changes, providing lasting benefits to municipalities and citizens.”
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