The programme will streamline existing processes into a single, independent framework aligned with recognised UK industry standards, providing greater assurance across our supply chain.

As part of this transition, we are moving away from internal verification and adopting recognised accreditation standards to validate suppliers against industry-relevant criteria. The programme will use independently verified supplier data across health & safety, cyber and financial risk, helping ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory and contractual expectations.

A single, auditable approach to supplier assurance

Achilles will provide a single-source pre-qualification, accreditation and verification framework, enabling us to monitor key supplier risk indicators and strengthen transparency across both direct and indirect suppliers.

We will use multiple Achilles services and networks, including:

• Financial risk screening and verification
• BuildingConfidence (based on the Common Assessment Standard) as the primary accreditation network
• Achilles Network access
• UVDB network access
• Cyber risk assessments and continuous monitoring

Programme timeline and outcomes

The goal is for both direct and indirect UK suppliers to be accredited by the end of June 2026.

The programme is designed to deliver three core outcomes:

• a scalable, independently auditable accreditation framework
• a fully compliant supply chain aligned to recognised industry standards
• improved visibility of key supplier risk indicators across health & safety, cyber and financial data

For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

The post A single, data-driven pre-qualification programme aligned to recognised UK industry standards appeared first on Cornerstone.

At the same time, the context around how and where data is processed has shifted. Geopolitical uncertainty, tightening regulation and increasing reliance on centralised cloud platforms have turned data sovereignty and resilience from technical considerations into strategic ones.

That’s why we’ve entered into a strategic partnership with StonesThro, to explore how micro-edge cloud computing can strengthen the UK’s digital resilience by bringing compute capacity closer to where it’s actually needed.

Why micro-edge, and why now?

For many critical systems to be truly resilient, computing power needs to sit closer to the point of use and firmly within national borders. Relying solely on distant, centralised data centres, often governed outside the UK, introduces latency, capacity constraints and jurisdictional risk that are increasingly hard to ignore.

Micro-edge cloud computing addresses this by enabling localised data processing on trusted infrastructure. By processing data nearer to where it is created and used, organisations can improve response times, reduce dependency on remote platforms and maintain greater control over sensitive information.

Our partnership with StonesThro is focused on exploring how this model can be deployed at scale across our national estate, creating a more distributed, resilient approach to digital infrastructure in the UK.

A practical foundation for scale

Deploying micro-edge at scale isn’t straightforward. It requires access to secure sites, power, connectivity and the operational experience to design, build and manage infrastructure in live environments.

By combining StonesThro’s edge cloud expertise with our nationwide estate, we are providing the physical foundation needed to overcome many of the traditional barriers to scale. This creates the opportunity to support a wide range of use cases, without relying on a small number of large, centralised facilities.

Supporting critical systems and services

Demand for real-time data processing is growing rapidly. Autonomous systems, smart transport networks, healthcare diagnostics and emergency response services all depend on decisions being made in moments, not minutes.

Micro-edge plays an important role in supporting these systems by reducing latency, improving resilience and keeping control of data within the UK. It also forms part of a wider conversation about how national infrastructure can be used to protect digital borders while still enabling innovation.

What happens next?

This partnership marks the beginning of a longer-term exploration of how micro-edge cloud can support the UK’s digital future. Proof-of-concept deployments are now underway, allowing us and StonesThro to test, learn and refine how locally deployed compute can be integrated alongside existing connectivity infrastructure.

By bringing compute closer to end users, we’re not just addressing latency and capacity challenges, we’re laying the foundations for a more secure, distributed and resilient digital UK.

For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

About StonesThro

StonesThro is a specialist consultancy and solutions provider focused on the intersection of digital infrastructure, micro-edge computing, and strategic resilience. We help organisations navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape by providing secure, scalable, and sovereign technology solutions.

The post Cornerstone and StonesThro announce strategic partnership to explore nationally distributed micro-edge cloud infrastructure appeared first on Cornerstone.

That’s why we were proud to partner with the Scottish Raptor Study Group and WHP Telecoms to protect a long-established Kestrel nesting site on one of our towers near Glasgow.

For many years, this nesting box has provided a safe breeding haven for local Kestrels. When the Scottish Raptor Study Group alerted us that the structure had corroded and risked damaging future eggs, we didn’t hesitate. Protecting this habitat wasn’t just a maintenance task, it was a responsibility.

Working alongside our delivery partners at WHP Telecoms, Paul McHugh and a skilled team of riggers carefully replaced the deteriorated box with a new, secure nesting space. The work was completed with precision and care, ensuring zero disruption to the birds and preserving the site as a safe haven for future breeding seasons.

This is what responsible infrastructure looks like:

• Listening to local conservation groups
• Acting quickly and collaboratively
• Investing in long-term environmental outcomes

As Scott Maxwell from the Scottish Raptor Study Group shared:

“We are thrilled with the progress and dedication Cornerstone has shown towards raptor conservation… This kind of proactive conservation activity benefits the raptors themselves and allows us to reinvest in local conservation projects with Cornerstone’s support and funding. Every contribution amplifies our efforts to protect these magnificent birds of prey and ensures a brighter future for our shared natural heritage.”

To further support ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts, a Wi-Fi camera will also be installed at the site, enabling continued observation and valuable research into breeding patterns.

This project is a powerful reminder that our role extends beyond maintaining connectivity. We are custodians of the environments in which we operate and proud to support the communities and wildlife that share our infrastructure.

Huge thanks to Rob Potter and the WHP Telecoms team for their commitment and expertise in bringing this initiative to life.

The post Protecting what matters appeared first on Cornerstone.

From May 2026, the framework will see United Infrastructure become the sole provider of maintenance services across more than 16,000 sites nationwide, including locations in Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The estate underpins mobile connectivity for millions of people, businesses and essential public services across urban, rural and hard-to-reach areas, forming a critical part of the UK’s digital and economic infrastructure.

The appointment follows a rigorous and carefully governed selection process, with safety, resilience, quality and long-term assurance at the centre of Cornerstone’s decision-making.

Under the framework, United Infrastructure will work closely with Cornerstone to support the ongoing operation of the estate, with a focus on improving visibility, streamlining reporting and strengthening milestone tracking, while continuing to uphold Cornerstone’s industry-leading standards for health, safety and secure site access.

For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

About United Infrastructure

United Infrastructure, headquartered in the North West of England, is a dynamic, rapidly expanding business, delivering critical infrastructure to communities across the UK.

It prides itself on delivering innovative solutions to the complex challenges its clients face in five key sectors: water, energy, power, telecoms and property services, under two main business areas – Utility Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure. It employs over 2200 people and works with a broad range of public and private sector clients.

Formerly known as United Living, its new name demonstrates its continuous evolution as a leader in the infrastructure landscape. Its commitment to its clients, people, communities and the environment remains at the core of everything it does.

The post Cornerstone appoints United Infrastructure as national maintenance partner appeared first on Cornerstone.

It’s the thing we barely think about until it stops working: when a GP can’t load a patient file during a home visit; when a tradesperson can’t take payment; when a delivery driver can’t find an address; when a young person can’t join an online lesson; when a new housing estate moves in and residents discover they’re living in a not-spot. 

Improving the UK’s mobile networks could unlock £230bn of economic value by 2035 (according to BT Group’s report ‘Driving Growth: The £230bn Opportunity of Improved Mobile Networks’) and the benefits flow into our real lives. This is the backbone that supports everything from AI-powered logistics and smart transport systems, to drone deliveries, connected agriculture, remote healthcare and the small businesses that keep our high streets alive. 

And that value is created in the real economy, from helping small businesses trade and take payments, to enabling remote healthcare, smart logistics, connected agriculture and the AI-driven industries the UK wants to lead in. Connectivity has become a modern utility, powering productivity everywhere people live, work and run services. We rely on it to work, travel, stay safe and simply get through the day, yet the systems that enable it are still built for a different era.

At the RICS Telecoms Conference 2025 last week, I spoke about why that has to change and why the planning system now matters just as much as the Budget when it comes to unlocking the UK’s digital future. 

Digital infrastructure is now critical national infrastructure 

The Government’s new infrastructure strategy recognises what most people already feel: connectivity is as essential as water, transport or energy. We expect it everywhere: on the school run, in the countryside, in busy stations, in new-build homes. Our national ambition is correct, but ambition alone isn’t enough. 

To deliver the networks we all rely on, we need a system that supports investment. They are the frameworks that govern planning decisions and legislation that are yet to be affected. 

These processes are vital… They protect landowners, communities and the public interest. But when they introduce delays or uncertainty, the outcome is always the same: slower rollout, frustrated communities and missed growth opportunities. If the UK wants digital progress, we must make digital delivery possible. 

The planning system is not keeping up and our people feel it 

Anyone who has moved into a new housing development with poor mobile coverage will understand the problem immediately. Connectivity is still too often thought about after the homes are built, the roads are laid and the residents have moved in. This results in higher installation costs, more disruption for neighbours, slower rollout and communities stuck without the connectivity they need to thrive. 

And the use cases keep growing. Today, everything from booking a GP appointment to paying for parking to running a business from home relies on mobile connectivity. For some people, including over 1.5 million mobile-data-only households, it’s their only way online. 

A digitally enabled UK needs joined-up delivery 

Digital infrastructure cuts across every part of the built environment, yet responsibility for enabling it is spread across multiple parties of Government, local authorities, landowners, developers and industry. It may not be everyone’s responsibility but it surely becomes everybody’s problem. 

The good news is that our interests are aligned: We all want growth, reliability, certainty, efficient delivery and infrastructure that lasts. That means bringing digital needs into planning much earlier, building shared understanding and designing solutions together rather than in isolation. When digital infrastructure is integrated upfront, just like with energy, drainage and transport, delivery becomes faster, cheaper and far less disruptive. 

Partnership will define the UK’s digital future 

True partnership is joint problem-solving. The Government can set the environment for investment through clear, aligned guidance and a planning system built for modern needs. Local authorities can integrate connectivity from the outset and bring consistency to decisions. Landowners can play a role in ensuring communities remain digitally included and economically active. And industry can bring the engineering expertise, long-term investment and practical experience needed to deliver the infrastructure itself. But partnership only works when the system enables it… 

The Budget matters, but system reform matters too 

This week’s Budget will shape tax, incentives and investment signals. Those decisions matter and they influence confidence, but the most powerful economic lever the UK can pull right now is system reform: 

• modernising planning 
• integrating digital needs from the start 
• activating the final reforms to the ECC 
• improving land access processes 
• designing “connectivity-ready” communities, 
• and aligning stakeholders behind a shared national mission. 

This is how we unlock long-term growth. This is how we reach the £230bn opportunity. And this is how we build a country where connectivity simply works for everyone. 

A digital-first nation needs digital-first thinking 

The choices we make today will determine how competitive, inclusive and resilient the UK economy will be for decades. 

We have the investment, technology and shared ambition. Now we need alignment and a planning system capable of delivering the digital future our people already expect. At Cornerstone, we’re ready to play our part… 

by Belinda Fawcett, General Counsel & Director of Property & Estates 

The post Autumn Budget 2025 appeared first on Cornerstone.

Earlier this week, a major outage at AWS disrupted services worldwide, including applications, banking, communications and entertainment platforms which all went offline or were degraded for hours.

This incident is a powerful reminder that digital infrastructure isn’t infallible. Dependence on a single cloud region, a single provider or a weak resilience posture can translate into major business risk. It underscores why our approach at Cornerstone is rooted in building security, visibility and fault-tolerance into every layer.

Resilience starts with people. Technology alone cannot defend against today’s evolving threats, so awareness and behaviour matter just as much as tools. Whether you’re a front-line technician, an office professional or a supplier, you can make a difference.

Here are practical steps you can use to stay secure:

• Be sceptical of surprises. If you receive an email, text or call out of the blue asking for personal or financial information, pause. Approach unexpected messages with a level of caution: scam-calls or phishing emails often pretend to come from trusted brands, banks or public bodies.
• Check the sender and links carefully. Look out for subtle spoofing: extra characters, unfamiliar domains (.xyz instead of .com), generic greetings or impersonated brands. These are common red flags.
• Don’t share your credentials. No legitimate organisation will email or call you asking for your password, PIN or 2FA code. If you’re being pressured to act immediately, especially via unfamiliar contact channels, it’s likely a scam.
• Use strong security tools and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA/2FA). Even the best password can be compromised. Extra layers of protection are now table-stakes.
• Stay cautious when using public Wi-Fi or personal devices for work tasks. Treat every connection as potentially exposed: lock away the mindset that “this device is safe because I’m home” or “this network is secure because someone else set it up.”
• Report suspicious activity promptly. Whether it’s an odd message, an unexpected link or a call asking for access, reporting is critical. The more we know, the faster we can shut down the threat. Even non-urgent concerns help build stronger collective defence.

Security must be embedded and maintained. We design our systems with security built in from the start. From how we architect new services, to how we manage suppliers, to how we monitor our networks: resilience is part of the blueprint.

We follow a “secure by design” philosophy, meaning rather than bolting on defences, we integrate them at the architecture stage. That approach simplifies things, reduces hidden risks and ensures security scales as our operations grow.

Our technical strategy covers prevention, detection and rapid response. We apply multiple layers of controls: endpoint protection, identity access management, web and email filtering, cloud monitoring, and we stay on watch. But the outage this week shows that protection alone isn’t enough: visibility, resilience and continuity matter equally.

As data becomes more decentralised and network edges become more active, being able to spot abnormal behaviour, degrade safely, isolate failure and recover fast will define who stays standing.

The future of connectivity is distributed. As data processing moves closer to where it’s created, in cities, hospitals, factories and communities, security must extend beyond traditional perimeters. Protecting the edge of the network will become as vital as securing the core.

We’re starting to see digital architectures evolve to meet the realities of a distributed world; architectures that combine high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure with embedded compute capability at the edge of the network. This shift is about designing systems with fewer single points of failure, ensuring data sovereignty and building resilience across multiple interconnected sites and networks. It represents a fundamental move away from centralised dependency toward a more secure, adaptive digital fabric for the UK.

Cyber security demands continuous improvement, transparent governance and a collective commitment to doing the right thing. At Cornerstone, we’re proud to lead by example: building resilience from the inside out and securing the foundation on which the UK’s digital future will stand.

The post Cyber Security: Building resilience for a distributed digital future appeared first on Cornerstone.

With an increasing demand of mobile network operators (MNOs) and the government, the UK faces a rapid and efficient expansion of its telecommunications infrastructure. As a trusted partner to mobile network operators, local authorities, and the wider telecommunications industry, Cornerstone provides innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions – from traditional towers to cutting-edge small cell technology.

Now, through its collaboration with Vyntelligence, Cornerstone will leverage Agentic Video Intelligence to transform how their 15,700+ sites are audited, approved, and handed over. This will ensure faster service activation for mobile operators while improving efficiency and safety.

Vyntelligence accelerates network rollout and site delivery by digitalising complex, manual processes into seamless video AI-driven workflows. Using the powerful Vyn® SmartVideoNotes on their smartphone, field teams and contractors can simply create “show and tell” videos to capture rich data around site conditions, work progress and delivery handover and commissioning, capture maintenance needs, and report issues in real time. The rich verticalised Video AI automatically analyses work quality and prompts both fieldworkers and remote assurance teams to speed up decisions and work done on the field.  

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]

The post Launch of AI Platform for Faster, Safer Site Delivery appeared first on Cornerstone.

The Big Picture – A Strategy for the Next Decade

On 19 June 2025, the UK Government published its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, setting out a roadmap to transform the nation’s connectivity, transport, and utilities. Central to this plan is digital infrastructure for growth and innovation, recognising that robust connectivity underpins the UK’s economic success and societal resilience.

Where digital infrastructure takes centre stage

Within the Digital Infrastructure for Growth and Innovation section, Point 3.53 (pg.59) makes a landmark commitment:

“The Government will launch a call for evidence to review where existing planning regulations could be reformed in order to support rollout of telecoms infrastructure.”

This commitment directly reflects Cornerstone’s recommendations and evidence provided during our consultations with government and industry partners.

Key highlights from the strategy:

• 99% population coverage following the Vodafone/Three merger
• £40 billion industry investment in full-fibre rollout
• Planning reform commitment: Government will consult on changes to planning law to speed up deployment
• Economic impact: 5G adoption could add £37 billion GVA by 2035

Turning planning challenges into national policy change

Behind this milestone is Sean McHenry, Cornerstone’s Head of Town Planning. Through sustained engagement with HM Treasury, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, and devolved governments, Sean has championed reforms that could transform how digital infrastructure is deployed across the UK. We now look forward to the upcoming consultation on NPPF reform, which will be a vital step in ensuring planning policy fully supports the UK’s digital ambitions.

Turning planning reform into industry progress

Through his engagement with central and devolved government, Sean has championed planning reforms designed to make telecoms rollout quicker and more consistent. By presenting evidence that informed the UK Government’s approach to permitted development rights, and by working with ministers in Northern Ireland on reforms such as prior approval processes, Sean’s input is helping to remove barriers that have slowed delivery for too long. These changes stand to benefit the entire industry and, most importantly, support our customers, mobile network operators in bringing faster, more reliable connectivity to communities across the UK. Part of our next steps will be to engage with the Welsh and Scottish Governments to explore how similar reforms could be advanced in their planning systems.

Breaking down barriers to connectivity

Planning delays have long been a barrier to faster mobile rollout. On average, site deployment can be delayed by 12-18 months due to current planning restrictions. With the Government’s commitment to reform, we’re on the verge of:

• Shorter planning timelines for upgrades and new sites
• Greater flexibility for operators to share infrastructure
• Better rural connectivity, closing the digital divide

Cornerstone’s vision for the next decade

While the strategy sets the direction, execution is key. Our suggestions:

• Fast-tracking consultations on planning law changes
• Clear national guidance for local authorities to avoid interpretation delays
• Continued collaboration between Government, operators, and infrastructure providers

We’ll continue working closely with policymakers to ensure these commitments translate into action, delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity everywhere.

We’ll continue working closely with policymakers to ensure these commitments translate into action, delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity everywhere.

“The next step is turning policy into progress. We’re ready to partner with Government and industry to make it happen.”
— Sean McHenry, Head of Town Planning

Partner with the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure experts

As the trusted infrastructure provider behind the UK’s major networks, Cornerstone is driving change for a digital-first nation.

The post Planning for Progress appeared first on Cornerstone.

We all know the pressures. As an industry, we’re pushing hard to deliver high-quality, reliable coverage to more communities and businesses, while grappling with tougher economics and limited room for traditional expansion. Tall masts in remote fields got us here, but they won’t get us to where the UK needs to be.

That’s why it’s time to talk seriously about small cells. Not just as a bolt-on to existing strategy, but as a foundational layer for capacity, resilience, and reach, especially in dense urban areas where macro coverage alone can’t keep up with demand.

And let’s be honest: demand is not going anywhere. It’s accelerating. Data usage is climbing fast. Customer expectations are rising even faster. And with operators committing to ever-broader population targets, the pressure is real. This isn’t about signal bars anymore, it’s about delivering usable, high-performance connectivity wherever people live, work, travel and gather.

But the path forward isn’t just about throwing more kit at the problem. It’s about rethinking the infrastructure model itself. That’s where Neutral Host Outdoor Deployment (NHOD) comes in, and where outdoor small cells become a crucial enabler.

At Cornerstone, we’ve been working closely with two essential partners to bring this vision to life:

• Signify, who have built trusted relationships with local authorities and understand how to unlock public infrastructure, especially lighting columns, for digital use.
• IONX Networks, who bring deep technical integration experience, a track record from Dense Air, and the RAN agility needed to support all operators.

Together, we’re building a blueprint for outdoor small cell deployment that works. One that doesn’t just tick the boxes technically, but understands the local nuance, the planning constraints, the power and fibre considerations, and the all-important commercial model.

Because let’s face it: NHOD has been talked about for years. What’s different now is that we’re finally aligning the pieces:

• JOTS compliance means operators now have a standardised, scalable way to integrate small cells into their existing networks.
• Commercial frameworks are starting to take shape, giving operators confidence they can deploy without losing control or differentiation.
• Local authorities are more open than ever to new solutions, but they need partners who understand their world and can help them see long-term value.

What we’re learning is this: if we can get those three ingredients working in sync: technical credibility, commercial clarity, and local trust, then we can finally deploy at the pace and scale the UK needs.

But it’s not going to happen by accident. It needs coordination. It needs shared ambition. And it needs us, as an industry, to stop treating outdoor small cells like a fringe tactic and start treating them like strategic infrastructure.

At Cornerstone, we’re ready to play our part. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we do know this: our role as a neutral host, working across operators, vendors and regional stakeholders, puts us in a unique position to connect the dots. To turn promising trials into scalable networks. To take NHOD from PowerPoint to street pole.

And we’re already seeing it happen. Towns and cities are starting to lean in. The appetite is there. The urgency is growing. And the benefits, from digital inclusion to future-proofed capacity, are impossible to ignore.

The truth is: this is no longer a technology problem. It’s a coordination challenge. And the prize is huge: a UK mobile network that’s fit for the future; not just in theory, but in practice.

So here’s our call to action.

If you’re an operator: come to the table. NHOD gives you reach, resilience and cost-efficiency, while preserving your brand and network control.

If you’re a local authority: work with us. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The partnerships and frameworks already exist. We’ll help you unlock your own infrastructure for digital use.

If you’re a vendor: let’s collaborate. The market is here. The opportunity is real. But we need joined-up delivery that works from procurement through to performance.

The blueprint is in place. The pressure is mounting. And the UK deserves a mobile infrastructure strategy that’s bold enough to meet the moment.

We’re ready. Let’s build it, together.

www.cornerstone.network/small-cells

by Jamie Hayes, Chief Sales & Commercial Officer, Cornerstone

The post Building the Blueprint appeared first on Cornerstone.

Here’s how Cornerstone sees the path forward:

1. Planning reform should enable progress, not delay it

Global markets are showing what pragmatic planning looks like. In Sweden, rooftop installations that don’t materially change a building’s appearance are often exempt from planning permission, a simple exemption with significant impact. Ireland and Scotland are following suit with rooftop solar, recognising that infrastructure serving a wider societal benefit shouldn’t be trapped in bureaucracy.

The same logic must apply to mobile networks. Small cells and neutral host solutions are essential to urban 4G and 5G rollout, and the planning environment must reflect that.

Public sector leadership also plays a critical role. Estonia’s EstWin project is a model of how central coordination, clear targets, and public-private alignment can drive digital infrastructure forward. By contrast, UK infrastructure providers often face fragmented local authority engagement, with unclear roles and inconsistent processes.

To enable meaningful progress, the UK needs a new engagement model, one that brings the right decision-makers to the table early and treats connectivity as a form of critical infrastructure.

2. Small cells aren’t emerging, they’ve arrived

With macro deployments reaching diminishing returns, particularly in dense and constrained areas, small cells are no longer a future concept. They’re the practical solution for delivering high-capacity, low-latency coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure isn’t viable.

Cornerstone’s Small Cell Coverage Solutions are already addressing these challenges head-on, particularly in environments with high footfall or space limitations. The model is neutral host by design, supporting all mobile network operators and leveraging existing assets like street lighting and street furniture in partnership with Signify and IONX Networks.

With over 10% of the macro estate already digitised using drone surveys and digital twins, Cornerstone applies the same smart tools to accelerate and de-risk small cell deployments. This data-led approach enables faster planning, improved sustainability, and reduced on-site disruption.

And this isn’t just about closing gaps. Small cells are foundational to smart cities, connected transport, AR learning, and digital public services. They’re enabling the future, not waiting for it.

3. Shared infrastructure isn’t a compromise, it’s a catalyst

Yes, small cells and fibre are capex-heavy. But they don’t need to be commercially daunting, if approached differently.

Cornerstone’s long-standing neutral host model offers a clear solution. Shared infrastructure reduces cost, duplication, and time-to-market by aggregating demand across mobile network operators. The result is higher utilisation and lower risk; benefits that apply as much to street-level deployments as they do to traditional towers.

Intelligent deployment also matters. With tools like digital twins, remote mapping, and predictive modelling embedded from day one, infrastructure becomes not just more efficient to install, but smarter to manage long-term.

The key is reframing infrastructure not as a sunk cost, but as a scalable value enabler, enabling better coverage, better experience, heightened public safety, and new opportunities for service innovation.

4. Local authorities aren’t blockers, they’re enablers (if we let them be)

One of the biggest inhibitors to infrastructure rollout is misalignment, often due to misunderstanding how local government operates.

In the UK, councils vary widely in function and authority. County councils may not be planning authorities. Planning officers may not be the right point of entry. Infrastructure providers must invest in understanding these structures and build relationships accordingly.

Cornerstone is advocating for a more mature engagement model, one that makes collaboration easier and more productive from the start. By using digital tools like drone surveys and 3D visualisations, we make community consultation more transparent and efficient, helping address concerns around design, aesthetics, and disruption.

Importantly, the tone is shifting. More local authorities now see mobile infrastructure as a public asset, essential to economic development, service delivery, and safety. The opportunity is to meet that interest with support, data, and delivery expertise.

5. Infrastructure sharing isn’t optional, it’s inevitable

Infrastructure sharing is not a new idea. Cornerstone has built its business on it for more than a decade. But what’s new is the breadth of the opportunity.

The same principles that have made macro sharing successful are now being applied to small cells, smart street assets, and even emerging CaaS models. The technology exists. The commercial models exist. What’s needed now is alignment, across operators, government, and partners, to move with purpose.

Shared infrastructure accelerates deployment, cuts cost, and extends connectivity to more people, more quickly. In a market as complex as the UK, that makes it not just viable, but vital.

Final thought: Let’s move from talking to building

The UK has no shortage of ambition around digital connectivity. But if the sector is serious about delivering next-generation networks, it must move beyond pilot projects and siloed initiatives.

Cornerstone’s message is clear: take inspiration from global examples. Embrace small cells at scale. Build better partnerships with local authorities. And treat infrastructure sharing not as a challenge to navigate, but as a strategic advantage to unlock.

The time for debate is ending. The time for delivery is here. Let’s get on with it.

www.cornerstone.network/small-cells

by Vidhu Mayer, Senior Propositions Manager, Cornerstone

The post Rethinking Network Delivery appeared first on Cornerstone.

23 April 2025 – Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, has partnered with Signify, the global leader in lighting, and Dense Air, a neutral host platform provider, to deliver next-generation connectivity through existing street lighting infrastructure. Oxford will be the first city in the UK to benefit from this ground-breaking deployment, ensuring seamless, high-capacity mobile coverage for businesses, residents, and visitors. 

This innovative approach integrates small cell technology into street lighting, transforming urban infrastructure into a scalable, multi-operator wireless network. By leveraging Signify’s BrightSites solution and Dense Air’s cellShare® platform, Cornerstone is enabling Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to provide improved mobile coverage, greater capacity, and enhanced digital services. 

Supporting Oxford’s future as a digital leader 

Oxford’s selection as the first deployment city aligns with the Government’s recent commitment to position the city as “Europe’s Silicon Valley” and to strengthen transport links between Oxford and Cambridge. This small cell rollout will further cement Oxford’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation, smart city applications, and world-class mobile connectivity. 

With the demand for fast, reliable mobile services continuing to grow, this solution will support local businesses, drive economic growth, and improve public services through enhanced digital connectivity. From supporting remote work to enabling IoT-powered smart city applications, this investment ensures that Oxford remains at the forefront of the UK’s digital transformation. 

A scalable model for future smart cities 

The Oxford deployment marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative. Cornerstone, alongside Signify and Dense Air, has committed to rolling out similar city-wide small cell deployments in two further UK cities in 2025, with additional locations to follow. 

Pat Coxen, CEO at Cornerstone, said: 
“At Cornerstone, we are committed to revolutionising the UK’s digital landscape by delivering cutting-edge mobile infrastructure solutions that empower our customers — Mobile Network Operators — to provide seamless, high-speed      connectivity. Our Oxford deployment is a prime example of how we are working with partners and local authorities to transform urban infrastructure, support economic growth, and create more connected communities. This initiative not only enhances mobile coverage but also reinforces Oxford’s position as a leader in digital innovation.” 

Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director of BrightSites by Signify, added: 
“By integrating connectivity with street lighting, we are reshaping the way cities approach digital infrastructure. In partnership with Cornerstone and Dense Air, Signify’s BrightSites technology will provide scalable, sustainable connectivity solutions that support both 4G and 5G services, ensuring that Oxford and other UK cities remain ahead in the digital age.” 

Jim Estes, CEO at Dense Air, commented: 
“We are delighted to be supporting this partnership, enabling Cornerstone and Signify to optimise urban connectivity with our cellShare® platform. By leveraging small cells, we’re creating a future-proof model for cities across the UK, providing a sustainable and efficient way for MNOs to expand coverage and capacity.” 

Supporting Local Innovation and Growth 

Local leaders have welcomed the deployment, recognising its potential to enhance Oxford’s digital landscape and support economic and social development. 

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: 
“We’re delighted that our partners at Cornerstone and Signify have chosen Oxford as the first location to benefit from their 5G small cell rollout. This further establishes Oxfordshire as a centre for innovation and technological advancement. By working closely with partners, we have positioned ourselves as a forward-thinking region that readily adopts new technology to benefit our residents and businesses.” 

Craig Bower, Director of the Digital Infrastructure Programme at Oxfordshire County Council, added: 
“With the recent Government announcement on Oxford’s global tech ambitions, this deployment is a timely reminder of how critical world-class digital infrastructure is to our city’s future. These 5G small cells will enhance mobile connectivity and enable smart city applications, from intelligent transport to healthcare innovation. We’re thrilled that Oxfordshire has been selected as the first city in this commercial rollout.” 

As a leader in mobile infrastructure services, Cornerstone remains committed to working with MNOs, local authorities, and technology partners to accelerate the UK’s digital transformation. This deployment is just the beginning of a long-term strategy to bring best-in-class connectivity to urban centres across the country. 

Learn more about Cornerstone’s Small Cell Coverage Solution here.

END 

For further information, please contact [email protected]. 

About Cornerstone 

Cornerstone is the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, managing a portfolio of over 15,700 sites that provide vital connectivity nationwide. As a trusted partner to Mobile Network Operators, local authorities, and the wider telecommunications industry, Cornerstone delivers innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions that enable seamless communication, support economic growth, and drive digital inclusion. From traditional towers to cutting-edge small cell technology, Cornerstone is shaping the future of the UK’s digital landscape. 

About Signify 

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems, and data-enabled services transform lives in homes, buildings, and public spaces. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

About Dense Air 

Dense Air provides a Platform-as-a-Service solution called cellShare®, enabling infrastructure owners and operators to deliver neutral host mobile broadband services at scale. By leveraging shared small cell clusters, Dense Air helps cities and infrastructure providers optimise network capacity, supporting enhanced mobile services through a sustainable and scalable deployment model. 

About Oxfordshire County Council 

Oxfordshire County Council provides around 80 per cent of local government services in Oxfordshire including social care for adults and children, highway maintenance, education, trading standards, fire and rescue, registration (births, deaths and marriages) and libraries.

For more information please visit: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/

About the Digital Infrastructure Programme 

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is a self-funded team in Oxfordshire County Council and collaborates with diverse partners to improve digital infrastructure across the county. By working with commercial operators, central government and running intervention projects, the programme helps to facilitate digital infrastructure delivery and improve access to broadband, mobile and public access to Wi-Fi services across the county. 

The post Cornerstone & Oxford City-Wide Small Cell appeared first on Cornerstone.

Radio remains an essential source of news, entertainment, and emergency updates for communities across Wales. To ensure continued access to these vital services, Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure provider, has partnered with MuxCo Wales to expand DAB digital radio coverage in West Wales. This collaboration enhances signal reach and reliability, ensuring that more businesses, residents, and listeners, particularly those in rural and remote areas, can continue to enjoy their preferred digital radio stations.

By leveraging Cornerstone’s existing infrastructure in Aberystwyth, MuxCo Wales has been able to deploy transmission equipment quickly and effectively, extending coverage with minimal disruption. This initiative strengthens the availability of both commercial and BBC digital radio services, reinforcing the role of radio as a trusted source of information and connection across Wales.

Delivering real benefits to communities:

• Enhanced coverage: Improved signal reach ensures more listeners benefit from high-quality, reliable digital radio services.
• Support for rural areas: Expanding digital radio availability in remote communities ensures continued access to critical news, entertainment, and emergency broadcasts.

Martin Mumford, Managing Director at MuxCo Wales, commented: “We’re pleased to extend our coverage into Aberystwyth.  We’ve worked closely with our partners at Ofcom, Cornerstone and radio stations to deliver this project to provide a solution which balances maximising audience coverage with the costs of providing a service in more rural areas.”

Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone, added: “Digital infrastructure isn’t just about business, it’s about social inclusion, community safety, and people getting access to the news. Our partnership with MuxCo Wales reflects our commitment to keeping communities connected, whether through radio, mobile networks, or digital transformation projects.”

For more information, contact: [email protected]

About Cornerstone

Cornerstone is the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, operating over 15,700 sites nationwide. Committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that support businesses, communities, and the wider economy, Cornerstone plays a crucial role in shaping the future of connectivity across the UK.

The post Cornerstone MuxCo Expand Digital Radio Coverage appeared first on Cornerstone.

Officially announced last night at the prestigious Best Workplaces Awards, we ranked 71st in the ‘Large’ category for companies with 201 to 1000 employees. Previous winners include Vodafone, Hilton and DHL, and we’re proud to be promoted alongside companies setting industry standards. 

At Cornerstone, we prioritise our culture and the everyday experience; to be awarded this is a testament to the Cornerstone culture, and something we are extremely proud of. Our company regularly reviews our initiatives to ensure we hold a strong employee value proposition. Initiatives include flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 2 weeks working abroad, and a thorough maternal and paternal leave policy. 

Some highlights from our survey were that 98% of employees said that Cornerstone is a physically safe place to work, 92% of our employees said that they feel they can take time off when they think it’s necessary, and 90% of our employees said that when they joined the company, they were made to feel welcome. 

Ginette Kilroy, Chief People Director, commented “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as one of the Best Workplaces by Great Places to Work. This award is evidence of the dedication and hard work that has gone into making our wonderful culture. At Cornerstone, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best authentic selves to work every day. This recognition inspires us to continue fostering a culture where everyone matters.” 

To read the full list, click here: UK’s Best Workplaces List. 

About Cornerstone 

Cornerstone is the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company with approximately 15,700 sites across the UK. With a focus on enabling seamless mobile and digital connectivity, Cornerstone brings together land, property, infrastructure, and technology for positive change. 

About Great Place To Work® 

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Their mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. They give leaders and organisations the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience, fostering cultures that are proven to drive business, improve lives, and better society. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organisations to truly capture, analyse, and understand the experience of all employees. Their groundbreaking research empowers organisations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. For more information, visit www.greatplacetowork.co.uk  

The post UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2025  appeared first on Cornerstone.