Sutton Council is taking a pioneering new approach to improve mobile phone coverage across the borough, which should be a real boost to residents and local businesses.

Building on initial plans to improve digital connectivity within the borough, the Council has signed open access agreements with network service providers Ontix, Freshwave and Cellnex, to share council-owned assets for the deployment of new mobile infrastructure. This will boost connectivity and improve user experience of mobile devices within the borough.

The open access agreements, among the first of its kind in the UK, will enable faster connectivity and greater capacity for mobile networks, remedying pockets of patchy and congested mobile coverage known as ‘not-spots’ whilst providing an operational and commercial framework which prioritises the swift deployment of digital infrastructure when and where it is needed.

Deployments of small cell sites are due to start in early 2022. This work will also act as a foundation to pave the way for greater 5G coverage in Sutton, as part of the commitments made in Our Digital Strategy.

Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, said: “I’m pleased to see us making good progress to improve the digital connectivity within Sutton. This will be a huge boost to residents, particularly those living, working or visiting the so called ‘not-spots’ and will also be a very welcome improvement to our infrastructure for local businesses.”