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Leeds Bradford Airport boosts mobile connectivity
The airport is working with Freshwave to deliver 4G connectivity from all UK mobile network operators to its refurbished terminal and newly opened extension.
At a glance
Who: Leeds Bradford Airport; Freshwave.
What: Leeds Bradford Airport is working with connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave to deliver 4G mobile connectivity from all of the UK mobile network operators to its refurbished terminal and newly opened extension.
Why: To ensure passengers and staff stay connected regardless of which mobile provider they use.
When: Freshwave has already connected 85,000 square feet across three floors of the recently opened new terminal extension.
Leeds Bradford Airport, Yorkshire’s primary airport serving more than 80 destinations, has partnered with connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave to deliver 4G mobile connectivity from all of the UK mobile network operators to its refurbished terminal and newly opened extension.
Freshwave has deployed its Omni Network as an ongoing managed service, ensuring passengers and staff stay connected regardless of which mobile provider they use.
In-building 4G coverage
The Omni Network securely delivers in-building 4G coverage from all the UK mobile network operators via a combined small cell unit, ensuring users stay connected regardless of their provider and with a guaranteed quality of service.
Freshwave has already connected 85,000 square feet across three floors of the recently opened new terminal extension, delivered as part of Phase 1 of the LBA: Regen programme.
“With passenger numbers expected to reach seven million by 2030, this upgrade is a vital part of future-proofing our airport and getting the most out of digital systems that depend on mobile”
This includes baggage reclaim, new food and beverage areas and retail outlets including World Duty Free. This allows passengers to access travel apps, browse, and keep in touch with friends and family before take-off. It also keeps airport staff communication smooth and secure by enabling the Push-To-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) radio service to use the 4G solution.
Omni Network is fully scalable and will be deployed across another 44,000 square feet of the terminal’s extension in the near future. This covers the new security area, ensuring all users benefit from all-operator coverage.
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Responses from the C-suite and IT Directors in Freshwave’s Mobile Connectivity ROI Index show that reliable indoor connectivity can unlock next-gen technologies such as real-time footfall tracking, enhanced safety monitoring and smart facility management, helping to keep passengers moving smoothly through the terminal. The report also highlights that 68 per cent of respondents see improved customer satisfaction as the biggest opportunity for venues, reinforcing the direct link between better mobile coverage and better passenger experience.
“We’re pleased to have worked with Freshwave to bring our passengers and staff reliable mobile coverage ahead of the busy summer period,” said Adrian Rollins, head of information systems at Leeds Bradford Airport. “With passenger numbers expected to reach seven million by 2030, this upgrade is a vital part of future-proofing our airport and getting the most out of digital systems that depend on mobile. Freshwave has been a trusted partner, expertly delivering the mobile system within a live, fully operational airport environment.”
Leeds Bradford Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration programme designed to equip the airport for the future and enhance passenger experience by creating new retail and dining outlets, improved passport control, more security lanes, and an upgraded immigration zone.
The project features the construction of a three-storey extension, known as the X25 building which opened in June 2025, and the refurbishment of the existing terminal, increasing floor area by 38 per cent and boosting seating capacity by 83 per cent. The Leeds Bradford Airport Regeneration programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
“We’re proud to play a small part in Leeds Bradford Airport’s future vision by delivering mobile coverage to its regenerated terminal,” said Brendan Hourihane, senior director at Freshwave. “By investing in an all-operator neutral host solution, Leeds Bradford Airport have put the needs of their passengers and staff first, assuring signal no matter which network they use. Up to 80 per cent of mobile data traffic occurs indoors; Omni Network is an energy and cost-efficient solution that gives everyone the coverage they need with an approach that can easily be replicated by other regional airports.”
Since launch, over six million square feet of UK real estate is live or in delivery with Omni Network.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
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How does Omni Network deliver all-operator 4G coverage within terminals?What metrics demonstrate improved passenger satisfaction from indoor connectivity upgrades?How can 4G enable Push-To-Talk over Cellular for airport staff?What scalability steps are required to expand coverage across additional terminal space?How does a neutral host solution reduce energy and operational costs?
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