Cellnex and Harrow Council Open Access Partnership
Cellnex and Harrow Council have announced a new agreement to enhance mobile connectivity across the Borough, marking the latest in a growing series of open-access partnerships Cellnex UK has secured this year with local authorities including Hounslow and Swansea.
Under the deal, Harrow Council will open access to its street furniture—such as lighting columns—to support the rollout of small-cell technology. These deployments will help Mobile Network Operators strengthen 4G and 5G coverage and address known connectivity blackspots, particularly around Harrow’s high street and key transport hubs.
Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), the open-access model enables multiple telecom operators to invest simultaneously, creating a more competitive and dynamic environment for network improvements.
As the UK’s largest independent telecom infrastructure provider, Cellnex is accelerating these collaborations to deliver rapid upgrades for local businesses and communities. Improved connectivity will also support efforts to reduce digital exclusion, helping community programmes like the Cellnex-supported “Digital Champion” initiatives.
Harrow Council emphasised the importance of reliable mobile networks for everyday life, noting that the partnership directly supports the Borough’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy—aimed at expanding advanced mobile networks, enabling full-fibre rollout, and attracting private investment.
Cellnex highlighted the power of creative collaboration with councils to unlock public assets and accelerate deployment. Beyond infrastructure alone, the company stressed that connectivity is about ensuring everyone can fully participate in today’s digital society.
