O2, in collaboration with Freshwave, has upgraded mobile connectivity in St Ives and Newquay, two popular Cornish resort towns, to improve network reliability for residents, businesses, and visitors. The initiative, completed ahead of the peak summer season, includes the activation of eight small cells—five in St Ives and three in Newquay—with five additional sites planned for deployment soon.

These small cells, strategically placed at high-traffic locations such as Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches in St Ives, and Tolcarne beach and the train station in Newquay, enhance mobile capacity and deliver faster speeds. Unlike traditional phone masts, small cells are quicker to install, providing improved coverage more efficiently. O2 has deployed over 2,000 small cells across the UK, marking the largest such rollout by any UK operator.

“Cornwall is a beautiful part of the country and an extremely popular tourist destination in the summer,” said Dr. Rob Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2. “These new small cells serve some of the busiest areas in Cornwall and will ensure that O2 customers have a reliable mobile experience whether they’re streaming on the beach, having a pasty, or eating an ice cream.”

The upgrades are part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which focuses on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, deploying small cells in high-density urban areas, and addressing network challenges in locations like railways, airports, motorways, and stadiums. Additionally, O2 recently acquired 78.8 MHz of spectrum from Vodafone UK, increasing its total spectrum holdings to approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum, further strengthening its network capabilities.

“We’re pleased to have collaborated with Cornwall Council and O2 to enhance connectivity for O2 customers in some of the most well-known getaway spots in the UK,” said Neil Barnes, Mobile Network Operator Account Director at Freshwave. “By boosting mobile coverage in coastal destinations like St Ives and Newquay in partnership with O2, we’re helping connect residents, visitors, and local businesses in areas known for world-class beaches, vibrant tourism, and a growing creative economy.”

This initiative supports the growing demand for reliable mobile services in Cornwall, ensuring seamless connectivity for both locals and tourists in these vibrant coastal communities.