Cornerstone, the UK's foremost digital infrastructure services provider, is teaming up with Signify, a global leader in lighting solutions, to revolutionize street lighting using the capabilities of 5G and IoT connectivity.
In 2024, the United Kingdom is expected to boast a robust 4G network coverage of 100.00%, along with an average broadband connection speed of 106.50k kbit/s. Additionally, the 3G network coverage is projected to reach 99.93%. Internet penetration is anticipated to reach 90.86%, with approximately 27.47 million households having internet access at home. Recognizing the escalating demand for digital connectivity in UK cities, Cornerstone is adopting a forward-thinking strategy, leveraging existing infrastructure to meet this growing need.
Through this partnership, Signify's advanced luminaire technology will be integrated into streetlight lamp heads by Cornerstone. This integration will establish an Outdoor Neutral Host platform, facilitating seamless connectivity in urban areas in a subtle and efficient manner. As a result, communities will enjoy effortless access to public networks, enhancing their connectivity experience.
"This partnership is yet another example of our evolution towards neutral hosting and smart city solutions," said Nick Spedding, New Business Manager at Cornerstone. "We're committed to bringing connectivity to urban and dense urban areas across the UK where, currently, connectivity is not in place (or limited), enabling access to public networks is at everyone's fingertips."
Cornerstone's significant role as a neutral host in this partnership highlights its dedication to facilitating the smooth deployment of connectivity solutions across varied urban environments. The first project, spanning three cities, marks the initial step in this collaboration, setting the stage for forthcoming advancements and expansions in smart city infrastructure.
"This collaboration with Cornerstone marks an exciting opportunity to converge the strengths of two industry leaders," said Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director of the BrightSites Business Unit at Signify. "By harnessing the power of 5G and IoT through our street lighting solution, we are illuminating streets and paving the way for a more connected and sustainable future."
