[South Africa] JCDecaux and Vodafone enter global small cell coverage scheme

JCDecaux and Vodafone have entered a partnership which will see wireless technology embedded in bus shelters, billboards and other street furniture to patch the mobile carrier’s coverage black-spots.

The outdoor advertising company initiated the partnership following a successful pilot in Amsterdam which saw 160 small cell transmitters installed on JCDecaux bus shelters to enhance Vodafone performance in the city.

JCDecaux will be responsible for designing, manufacturing and deploying the housing for the small cells and consulting with city councils to adhere to local planning regulations.

Vodafone will install and manage the necessary telecommunications equipment.

The agreement will give Vodafone access to JCDecaux’s 100,000 street units across Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, Australia, Qatar, Czech Republic, India, Turkey, Hungary and South Africa.

Jean-Charles Decaux, chairman of the executive board and co-chief executive of JCDecaux, said: “After successful testing in Amsterdam, we are pleased to continue our collaboration with Vodafone by supporting its strategy to develop the quality of its networks.

“JCDecaux, which has been a key player in the development of cities for the past 50 years, is thus confirming through this global contract with a leading telecommunications player, its commitment to building innovative and structuring connectivity services to drive growth and create economic value. Connected street furniture is set to transform city life and JCDecaux is enthusiastic about contributing to these structural changes, providing lasting benefits to municipalities and citizens.”

Kevin Salvadori, director of technology strategy and operations of Vodafone Group, added: “We are delighted to partner with JCDecaux. This agreement will help us accelerate the deployment of small cell technology by giving us access to locations that in the past have not been available for network installations.