Cell sites

During 2006 the number of cell sites grew to 33,388, due to further expansion of our third generation (3G and 3.5G) networks. All network operators are obliged by regulations to provide adequate network coverage.

We have installed smart metering on a selection of cell sites and developed a new design for using 'free cooling' - a system that uses ambient air to cool cell site equipment. This system, combined with engineering changes, upgrades to more efficient equipment and data management, has led to a decrease in energy consumption at our 2G cell sites.

¹ There were 24,648 cell sites at the end of FY 2004/05; 27,635 at the end of FY 2005/06; and 33,388 at the end of 2006.
This figure includes Telefónica O2 Czech Republic for the first time.