Mobile signal black hole targeted as small cells go up across Canterbury city centre

Shoppers, street traders and tourists in Canterbury should start getting a better signal after small cells — compact boosting units attached to existing council-owned street assets including lampposts — were installed across the city centre. The equipment targets two of the busiest spots: Clocktower Square and the Whitefriars retail quarter, both areas where residents and visitors have complained about poor signal.

Canterbury has long had a reputation as a black hole for connectivity. Cllr Chris Cornell, Canterbury City Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said the issue “came up time and time again” in last year’s consultation on town centre strategies. So rather than erecting new full-sized masts, the project — a tie-up between Kent County Council, mobile infrastructure firm Freshwave and network operator O2 — uses council-owned street assets to mount the equipment.

Cllr Cornell said: “Tourists and residents have for a long time complained about Canterbury being a black hole in terms of signal. Reliable internet greases the wheel of industry and we welcome anything which can support our street traders to thrive and visitors to discover more about our wonderful city.”

Lisa Carlson, Chief Executive at Canterbury Business Improvement District, said strong digital connectivity is “essential for a thriving city centre” — pointing to shoppers, diners, remote workers and business owners as those who will feel the benefit.

David Wimble, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, said the council is making suitable assets available to bring “better mobile coverage and faster, more reliable connections” to locations “where people need them most.”

Neil Barnes, Mobile Network Operator Account Director at Freshwave, said the Canterbury installation demonstrates how local authorities and industry can work together to deliver coverage “where people need it most.” Professor Rob Joyce, O2’s Director of Mobile Access Engineering, noted that Kent is home to some of the UK’s most historic and popular destinations, with the new small cells giving O2 customers a more reliable experience while exploring landmarks and local attractions.

No figures have been confirmed for the number of units installed, the cost, or the exact improvement in coverage.

What happens next: KCC has not announced further locations. Whether the same approach could be extended elsewhere across Kent has not been confirmed by any of the parties involved.