13.05.2025

Mobile communications from streetlights: O₂ Telefónica starts nationwide expansion of 5G streetlights

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Increasing data traffic in large cities requires additional network capacity and supplementary expansion concepts for existing cell towers
Innovative approach for better network coverage in city centers: Infrastructure provider 5G Synergiewerk is converting conventional streetlights into 5G mobile phone sites
5G streetlights planned for Germany's 25 largest cities: Preparations underway in Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf, Hanover, Stuttgart, and Leipzig
Telecommunications company O₂ Telefónica and infrastructure provider 5G Synergiewerk are breaking new ground in network expansion by launching a nationwide rollout of 5G streetlights. This will improve the mobile network for smartphone users and businesses in busy city centers and tourist regions. The 5G streetlights will expand existing 5G network coverage provided by mobile phone masts and provide additional capacity. In the first phase of expansion in 2025, O₂ Telefónica and 5G Synergiewerk will focus on the 25 largest cities. The long-term plans go far beyond this. Ordinary streetlights, which have provided nighttime illumination for decades, will be replaced by a modern combination of light and mobile phone masts. These mini masts are hardly distinguishable from existing streetlights. They offer added value wherever rooftops are scarce and customer data requirements are high.

Promoting digital connectivity in city centers

Credits: O₂ Telefónica

Matthias Sauder

“We want to promote sustainable digital connectivity for consumers and businesses in cities. To do this, we are transforming urban light sources into digital hubs that make life smarter and more efficient. As a telecommunications provider, these innovative street-level cell sites help us to optimally manage the ever-growing data traffic in large cities. Whether streaming, video telephony, or the networking of intelligent sensors, we are bringing even faster networks to citizens' doorsteps and into business locations,” explains Matthias Sauder, Director Networks at O₂ Telefónica.

“We support cities in implementing new smart city solutions and a future-proof infrastructure. The municipalities we work with have recognized the advantages. By replacing conventional streetlights with modern 5G streetlights, cities have multifunctional tools that not only provide their citizens with nighttime lighting, but also a better mobile network,” says Ralf Gerbershagen, Managing Director of 5G Synergiewerk.

5G lights for large cities, events, and tourist regions

The first 5G streetlights are already in operation in Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, and Würzburg. Among other things, the streetlights in Cologne ensured that the numerous fans had a smooth reception during the 2024 European Football Championship. The positive experiences from the pilot projects have prompted the two companies to roll out the mini masts nationwide in the largest cities. 5G Synergiewerk is negotiating contracts with city administrations for this purpose. By the end of 2025, 50 more streetlights are expected to be up and running. This year, O₂ Telefónica will commission further 5G lights in Frankfurt am Main. They are scheduled to go live in May at Kornmarkt, Nibelungenplatz, and Mainzer Landstraße. Due to the tall buildings, they are particularly well suited to deliver better network reception on streets and sidewalks. Additional lights are planned for Cologne (including Heumarkt), Hanover (e.g. Maschsee), and Stuttgart (Bopser).

Major events also play a central role in nationwide planning. In Munich, O₂ Telefónica plans to put 5G streetlights into operation around the Theresienwiese. These will significantly improve the network experience at events such as the Oktoberfest, when more than six million visitors flock to the “Wiesn” over a two-week period and the existing locations gradually reach their limits. In Düsseldorf, 5G streetlights on the Rhine bridges will provide better mobile network coverage during the Rheinkirmes fair, among other events. In Hamburg, the planned streetlights will offer more capacity around the Heiligengeistfeld. The Hamburg Dom fair takes place here three times a year. The companies also have their sights set on tourist hotspots on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts and on Lake Constance. The additional capacity is needed especially during the holiday season to provide the numerous tourists with a first-class network. Local businesses will also benefit from this improved mobile reception.

To install a 5G streetlight, 5G Synergiewerk is replacing the existing lamppost with a so-called “smart pole”. This offers installation options for existing lighting or new, energy-saving LED lighting technology, as well as sufficient space for O₂ Telefónica's network technology. Small mobile phone antennas are built into the light pole, which transmit the 5G signal to the surrounding area. The technology is connected to a fiber optic cable, which must be laid beforehand. The innovative use of existing infrastructure is also an excellent example of the implementation of sustainability and circular economy concepts in telecommunications.