UK network operator EE has deployed its first 5G small cells.

Its first 5G sites have been installed in Croydon, London, the telco announced today (August 14).

Providing an update on its wider rollout of small cells, the BT-owned company said that it has now deployed more than 1,000 across the UK, including 400 in the last 12 months.

Small cells take advantage of existing street assets, such as BT telephone boxes and digital Street Hubs, lamp posts, and CCTV columns.

They are seen as a simpler alternative to bulkier telecom infrastructure, which might look out of place or draw criticism from residents.

BT said it has expanded its 4G small cell footprint to more locations including Cardiff, Dundee, Luton, Norwich, and Stoke-on-Trent.

The carrier has installed small cells at seven sites along Croydon's London Road, which it notes is supporting more than 3TB of traffic every day.

EE has partnered with vendors Nokia and Ericsson to deploy the small cells, which it claims can deliver speeds of up to 300Mbps for 4G cells, and 600Mbps for 5G.

The 5G cells in Croydon are using EE's 1,800MHz spectrum for 4G and 3.5GHz for 5G.

“Small cells are an integral component within our mobile network," said Greg McCall, chief networks officer, BT Group.

"To reach 1,000 deployments, including our first 5G sites, demonstrates our commitment to delivering unrivaled mobile connectivity to all four corners of the UK.”

Rival telco Virgin Media O2 outlined its own ambitions to deploy small cells in the UK, striking a partnership earlier this year with telecom infrastructure provider Freshwave for its rollout in Manchester.