• The UK's first 3G network ‘3' awards 10-year contract for 3G coverage in three major UK shopping centres
• Arqiva provides access to 3G services for visitors and retailers at Newcastle's Eldon Square, Nottingham's Victoria Centre, and Lakeside Thurrock
• Arqiva's innovative InBuilding solutions provides reliable coverage and dedicated capacity

Arqiva's Wireless Solutions group today announced that it has been chosen by mobile operator ‘3' to utilise its 3G InBuilding antenna solution in three key retail locations.  The ten-year deal with Capital Shopping Centres sees Eldon Square, the Victoria Centre and Lakeside being provided with high quality 3G coverage for both visitors and retailers alike.

Having worked with 3 since the mobile operator acquired its 3G licence in 2000, Arqiva has contributed to the construction of its network across the UK.  Due to the complex technical nature of third-generation (3G) mobile signals, the provision of good quality coverage in public buildings such as shopping centres, airports and conference centres, is particularly challenging.  Arqiva's solution overcomes these technical challenges to result in reliable coverage and dedicated capacity.  It has also been designed to be shared by all other mobile operators.  This results in minimum disruption for the site owner at the time of installation and also during ongoing maintenance of the system.

David Cooper, Chief Technical Officer, 3 commented, "3 now has 85% 3G network coverage across the UK - the largest of all the 3G operators. We chose the Arqiva InBuilding solution in these three locations to expand on the quality of 3G coverage to be provided to our customers in major public areas. We are confident in the ability of the Arqiva team to deliver these solutions as they have an unrivalled track record in the provision of InBuilding solutions for major public areas."

Debbie Dickinson-Tame, MD of Arqiva Wireless Solutions, added, "This is a key strategic deal for us.  We work with all the mobile operators to provide reliable and timely site-sharing solutions in a variety of areas, from traditional towers and roof-top solutions through to our CityCell street-based coverage service and more than 60 InBuilding systems.  Our aim is to provide InBuilding solutions that work to the advantage of both the mobile operators and the landlords and which result in a resilient and high quality end-user experience.  With Eldon Square, the Victoria Centre and Lakeside already operational, we look forward to continuing our long and productive relationship with 3."