7 October 2025 |London, England
- 200+ small cells deployed in London – with sites installed on average in just three months
- Boldyn’s small cells deployment accelerates 5G densification and MNO’s network strategies, boosting capacity across the capital
Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) today announced it has surpassed the milestone of deploying over 200 small cells across several London locations -with numbers continuing to grow- marking a significant step in the capital’s 5G densification strategy.
This achievement is part of a broader initiative to enhance mobile connectivity in high-footfall urban areas through scalable, shared infrastructure, supporting London’s smart city ambitions. It underpins the Mayor’s manifesto to improve digital connectivity in London that will help to increase innovation, productivity and growth. As a leading neutral host provider, Boldyn’s deployments in some of the capital’s busiest areas such as King’s Cross, Waterloo, London Bridge, Old Street, The Shard and Hyde Park Corner are all delivering faster, scalable, sustainable and cost-effective connectivity across the city, supporting mobile network operators’ (MNOs) network strategies.
Boldyn has set a new benchmark for urban connectivity, with a target of achieving a 3-month order-to-activation timeline -much faster than the standard small cells activations- setting the pace for rapid, sustainable rollout across one of the world’s most complex cities.
Utilising Transport for London infrastructure for a lasting impact
Boldyn is transforming the London connectivity landscape through its small cell strategy – building a high count fibre network through the re-use of Transport for London (TfL) ducts, enabling rapid connections to thousands of prime assets for 5G densification within this dense urban environment. Enabled by its 20-year exclusive concession with TfL, Boldyn is able to access more than 80,000 fibre-connected street assets, including on lighting columns, 2,000km of ducts and 400km of underground fibre, without the need for new planning permissions, eliminating one of the most time-consuming barriers to urban deployment and significantly reducing delivery timelines and costs.
Reusing TfL’s on-street assets also means that Boldyn will minimise disruption, reduce environmental impact and preserve London’s streetscape, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally connected London.
This infrastructure also lays the foundations for smart city innovation, enabling IoT applications, smart lighting and environmental monitoring to make London safer, greener and more connected.
Boldyn’ small cell deployment across London boroughs is not only transforming mobile connectivity but also delivering meaningful social benefits to communities. This initiative, supported by the Greater London Authority (GLA), is helping bridge the digital divide by extending gigabit fibre availability to community centres and borough buildings, supporting improved CCTV and easier access for jobs. The improved connectivity also empowers residents with better access to education, employment, and public services, while also supporting emergency services and urban safety infrastructure.
Neutral host models driving market growth
According to the Small Cell Forum’s 2025 market forecast, neutral host models are increasingly recognised as critical to future connectivity. Enterprise small cells run by neutral hosts are set to double from 14% to 28% between 2023 and 2030 – the fastest growth of any business model. By 2030, neutral host deployments are expected to represent 30% of all new small cell rollouts, proving their growing role in addressing in-building coverage, quality of service, and sustainable expansion.
Collaboration enabling connectivity
Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, said: “By overcoming traditional barriers such as planning delays and high deployment costs, we’ve unlocked a new model for rapid, sustainable connectivity. Through our partnership with TfL, we are delivering high-performance connectivity in high-footfall areas while preserving the city’s aesthetics and minimising disruption. Our small cell strategy is accelerating MNOs 5G rollout today across London and laying the foundations for the smarter, more connected capital of tomorrow.”
Danny Kelly, Commercial Director for MNOs, Public Sector & Next Generation at Boldyn Networks, said: “Within any MNO network strategy there is a time and place for macro cells and small cells. Together they form a complementary architecture which enriches customer propositions and elevates customer experience. Small cells, with their shorter implementation timelines, streamlined approval processes, and lower investment and maintenance costs, offer an agile and impactful solution for MNOs. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to expand this model across London and beyond, working closely with operators, technology partners and AI specialists to ensure 5G delivers not only faster connectivity but also lasting social and economic benefits. Collaboration is no longer optional — it’s essential.”
James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “Small cells are a critical part of our mobile network, boosting capacity and performance in the busiest locations and at the busiest times. Our partnership with Boldyn is helping us to accelerate our network densification plans across London, ensuring customers are able to experience the full benefits of EE’s industry-leading network when and where they need it most.”
Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer at the GLA, said: “This small cell roll out is a significant milestone to help improve digital connectivity in the capital and it’s great to see the speed at which this has been installed. London is a vibrant, world class city and this initiative is another example of how the Mayor’s Connected London programme works with boroughs and telcos so more of London benefits from well-connected areas with better mobile signal as we build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
As the small cell market accelerates, Boldyn is not only keeping pace but setting the benchmark, proving that infrastructure innovation can be both commercially successful and socially transformative.
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