Vodafone UK is installing small antennae below street level under manhole covers to help improve 4G mobile network coverage in busy urban areas. This equipment can be installed with minimum disruption for the local community, with no street works or construction required, the operator said.
The manhole cover antennae are connected using the operator's fibre network across the UK. They can also be upgraded easily for 5G in the future. Vodafone has installed two types of mobile-enabled manhole covers at its office and technology centre in Newbury. Once is s purpose-built, reinforced unit about the size of a water butt sunk into the ground, and other uses an existing cast iron manhole cover. They can carry calls and enable high-speed internet access over a 200-metre radius.
Outside of Newbury, Vodafone is also looking to deploy 4G antennae under its own manhole covers, acquired through its 2012 takeover of Cable & Wireless Worldwide, and those of utility providers across the UK.
