As the UK accelerates its digital transformation, Connect44 is strengthening its presence through the strategic expansion of its Mobile Build operations. The group continues to advance its Plan. Build. Manage. strategy, and is now significantly enhancing the Build component within the UK market. This move positions the company at the forefront of the country’s mobile infrastructure development, supporting the rapid evolution of 5G, fibre networks and nationwide connectivity requirements.

A Strategic Vision for a More Connected UK

At the core of Connect44’s expansion is a clear ambition to become a recognised and trusted supplier to UK MNO’s and TowerCo’s, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s long-term connectivity goals. The company has identified several gaps in the UK telecom landscape, particularly the need for more streamlined, efficient deployment practices. Rather than mirroring existing industry processes, Connect44 is introducing a new operational model based on fixed partnerships with key stakeholders. This approach promotes closer collaboration, better alignment with operators’ needs with a more adaptive and adoptive delivery structure than the UK market has traditionally experienced.

This strategic direction is closely aligned with national priorities, including expanding 5G coverage, strengthening rural connectivity and reinforcing network resilience. By deploying a multiskilled, regionally based workforce, the company can respond more quickly to local requirements, minimise downtime and maintain high levels of service continuity across the country. 

Deployment and Infrastructure: Building an Agile Ecosystem

Although the precise volume of new tower and fibre site deployments is still being finalised, Connect44 is laying the foundations for an ecosystem capable of delivering against an increasing volume of work required by its clients. The aim is to support rapid scaling without compromising quality or efficiency.

Infrastructure deployment in the UK naturally comes with challenges, from unpredictable weather conditions to live-network outage restrictions and variations in local authority approval processes. Connect44 mitigates these obstacles through rigorous planning and the expertise of its workforce, ensuring that site Acquisition, Design and Construction phases progress smoothly and cause minimal disruption to surrounding communities. The company’s focus on experience-driven delivery enables shorter construction phases, reduced disturbance and consistent adherence to best practice.

Execution, Efficiency and Innovation

The Mobile Build team has set ambitious operational targets, aiming to complete between seven and ten site builds on average per month in the first year, with a substantial ramp up to meet increasing demand by the end of the second year. Achieving this required level of output demands a disciplined and well-structured approach, supported by a skilled workforce and a robust back-office operation.

Efficiency is further enhanced through innovation. The UK Wireless team is actively developing SiteTracker to become one of the telecom industry’s most advanced and efficient project management tools. Alongside this, AI-driven design Quality Assurance capabilities and MYX digital twin platform technology are being integrated to streamline design, speed up decision-making and reduce deployment errors. These innovations ensure that Connect44 remains at the forefront of modern telecom infrastructure delivery. 

Sustainability and Future Readiness

Sustainability is embedded into the company’s construction philosophy. Connect44 is continually seeking ways to reduce carbon output by incorporating energy-efficient methods, modernising its vehicle fleet and increasing its use of recycled and modular materials. This focus not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to cleaner, more efficient deployment sites with less waste generated throughout the construction process.

Fibre infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling future technologies such as 5G, IoT ecosystems and smart city solutions. Its capacity for ultra-fast, low-latency and high-volume data transfer makes it a foundational element of the UK’s digital future. To prepare for shifts in market demand and upcoming regulatory changes, Connect44 is building specialist teams with deep industry expertise. These teams are equipped to respond to the accelerating 5G rollout, growing demand for small cells and mobile backhaul in urban areas, and the increasing importance of AI in reducing build timeframes and network downtime. The company is also working closely with partners, clients and suppliers to adopt more energy-efficient processes and embrace sustainable materials. 

People and Expertise: Leaders Behind the Strategy

The UK Mobile Build strategy is guided by a highly experienced leadership team, including UK Managing Director Lee Smelt, Commercial Director George Sheeran, Head of UK Wireless Delivery Lewis McKee, Head of UK Wireless Design Shaun Warburton, and UK SHEQ Manager Chris Humphrey. Collectively, Lewis, Shaun and Chris alone bring more than 50 years of expertise across telecom design, construction and health and safety, providing a strong foundation for the company’s operational standards.

Safety, training and quality are upheld through rigorous certification processes, adherence to industry standards and structured protocols that ensure consistency and compliance across all projects. Regular communication with field engineers, suppliers and our internal teams is fundamental to maintaining these high standards and ensuring continuous improvement across every deployment. The desire to learn and improve is the cornerstone to our ongoing success. 

Impact and Outlook: Strengthening Networks and Partnerships

The expansion of the UK’s mobile infrastructure will generate significant benefits across the telecom ecosystem. For operators and towerco’s, it will improve service delivery, enhance network resilience and open up new avenues for innovation and revenue. For customers and end users, it promises better coverage, higher-speed connections and access to increasingly sophisticated digital experiences.

Looking beyond 2026, Connect44’s goals include accelerating nationwide 5G and full-fibre rollout, enhancing passive and active network resilience, supporting digital inclusion and preparing for regulatory changes such as Ofcom’s Telecoms Access Review and the UK Infrastructure Strategy. These efforts will further strengthen the company’s partnerships with mobile network operators by improving service quality, supporting shared investment models and aligning with national priorities for a more digitally inclusive society. 

Driving the UK’s Digital Future

Through the continued development of its Plan. Build. Manage. Strategy - and with particular emphasis on expanding the Build pillar - Connect44 is playing a vital role in shaping the future of UK mobile connectivity. By combining strategic insight, technical expertise, innovation and sustainability, the company is helping to construct the digital foundations that will support the UK's technological and economic growth for decades to come.