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42 Takes 4G to New Heights

12 February 2016 | Updated 01 January 1970
 

Despite fast advancing technology in all other business areas, the basic requirement of decent mobile phone signal and data signal seems to have been forgotten in the development of our Capital’s new skyscrapers. In an era of instant and constant, global communications, London’s competitiveness as a global business location is increasingly at risk.

London’s original skyscraper, the NatWest Tower or Tower 42 as it is know these days, that stepped up to mark this week becoming the tallest building in the country to offer high-speed 4G access.

The owners have teamed up with Vodafone to implement fully integrated network coverage across all 42 storeys of landmark.

Unlike any of the new skyscrapers to have opened in recent years, Tower 42 is the tallest building in the UK to boast this technology, which provides the quality and speed available to mobile devices from 4G. Other skyscrapers are fitted with 2G or 3G coverage, the previous slower-speed generation of mobile internet, but few, in development, are being designed to feature 4G.

Connected by 2,000 metres of fibre cabling the system went live on February 9 and provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage across every floor to some 50 international companies, 2,500 people who work at the Tower and the 1,200 daily customers and visitors to the building’s restaurants.

ThisWeekinFM was at the turn-on. Philip Lewis, Kirsh Group, commented on behalf of the owners: “This building was at the forefront of new technology when it opened in 1981 and it will continue to lead the way. If London is going to remain a location of choice, we need to ensure it offers global-leading technology systems to its business community. As a property owner, we take great pride in offering world class facilities and this high quality technology is critical to that commitment.”

Picture: Tower Power - Vodafone 4G has been installed at a City landmark

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 12 February 2016

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