The network upgrade project resulted in Vodafone installing a series of manhole cover antennas across the UK, connected back to Vodafone’s all fibre, high speed core network.

At the time, Vodafone UK chief executive Nick Jeffery said “It is great to be able to use yesterday’s infrastructure – from phone boxes to manhole covers – to deliver the services of tomorrow. This is one of the ways we are extending our 4G services to areas other networks cannot reach and getting ready for 5G”.

Vodafone said that by connecting manhole covers to its network it can significantly improve its 4G coverage, while simultaneously preparing the way for the 5G rollout, at which point the antennas can be easily converted.

Vodafone also says that the manhole antenna installation will open up a range of smart city initiatives.

“These fibre-connected 5G-enabled small antennas are the foundation on which connected smart cities will be built. 5G connectivity will allow connected traffic lights instantly to reroute road traffic around congestion, councils automatically to schedule repairs for broken infrastructure like street lighting, and businesses to manage how much energy they use intelligently,” Vodafone said in a statement. – Total Telecom

The question we have in Portugal, is if Vodafone (and other suppliers of telecom services) will be doing the same in other countries?