Virgin Media O2 trials new approach to boosting mobile coverage

Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled a new approach to boosting mobile services by leveraging its existing fixed network infrastructure along with new smart poles. This innovative solution could help boost mobile coverage across local areas in the UK.

The trial, conducted in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, involved installing compact smart poles adjacent to Virgin Media's fibre network cabinets. These poles, significantly smaller than traditional mobile phone...

18 March 2024 | 5G

Dell’Oro forecasts RAN market downturn to continue

The global Radio Access Network (RAN) market will continue its downturn over the next few years, according to a new report from Dell'Oro Group.

Dell'Oro forecasts that RAN revenues will decline at a compound annual growth rate of one percent through 2024. This comes on the heels of massive 40 percent growth from 2017 to 2021, when the market was boosted by initial 5G network builds.

Growth stabilised in 2022 but is expected to drop sharply in 2023, led by a pullback in...

23 January 2024 | 5G

EE and Nokia boost mobile connectivity in Wimbledon

EE and Nokia have significantly improved mobile connectivity in the Wimbledon area to support residents and visitors to the London district that’s home to one of the world’s most famous sports championships.

With the help of 17 existing 4G and 5G sites and a new small cell system, EE aims to provide high-capacity, high-speed mobile connectivity to half a million sports fans who visit Wimbledon each year.

In today's digital age, staying connected has become a...

19 June 2023 | 5G

First operator goes live on ‘pioneering’ mobile infrastructure

The first operator has gone live on “pioneering” mobile infrastructure that will host multiple telcos.

EE has joined a connectivity pilot led by Freshwave that will deliver enhanced 4G and 5G coverage to users along Queen Victoria Street in London.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said:

“High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks...

20 December 2022 | 5G

EE’s small cells deployments boosts coverage in cities and major towns

Ariel view of Clyde and Glasgow Science Centre.

EE has deployed 200 new small cells across its UK network to boost capacity in high demand areas, providing customers with download speeds up to 300Mbps.

Small cells are mobile radio cells that help to provide better coverage for customers at street level, where it’s often impractical to build larger sites. Located on a variety of existing street assets, including BT’s iconic red telephone boxes, the units offer discreet boosters for coverage and are part of EE’s investment...

7 March 2022 | Small Cells

Vodafone partners with Mavenir to develop indoor OpenRAN solution

Vodafone and Mavenir have developed a small cell OpenRAN solution for indoor network coverage.

The solution is designed for businesses with medium to large office spaces and uses OpenRAN to support interoperability and prevent vendor lock-in.

Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone UK, said:

“So far, OpenRAN deployment has focused on outdoor connectivity, but there is significant potential for this technology in the office environment.

A simple...

8 July 2021 | LTE

Nokia expands its AirScale portfolio with several new 5G solutions

Nokia is expanding its AirScale small cells portfolio for indoor and outdoor 5G coverage with several new solutions.

The headline addition is Nokia’s new micro Remote Radio Heads (mRRH) that will help to boost the capacity and coverage of outdoor 5G networks in dense urban environments. 

The small footprints of mRRHs enable operators to densify their 5G networks in areas where macro cells would be unsuitable. Their lower power consumption also reduces operational...

26 May 2021 | Networks

Using blockchain to manage the complexity of small cells: A guide

Blockchain has moved through its hype cycle far faster than many other technologies. The cult success of Bitcoin produced a legion of zealots that saw blockchain as the answer to everything. However, the backlash has been swift, and the phrase “blockchain is a solution in search of a problem” quickly became a near-cliché. As with all hype cycles, blockchain is now settling into a sensible middle ground—not the answer to every problem, but a solution with many compelling specific use...

18 August 2020 | Hot Topics

Small Cell Forum publishes two new 5G physical layer API specifications

The Small Cell Forum (SCF) has published a set of key documents that are focused on stimulating a competitive ecosystem for 5G-era small cell hardware, software and equipment vendors. 

These new documents, which extends last year’s 5G Physical Layer API specification, allow small cells to be assembled using components from different vendors to address a mix of 5G use cases relatively easily.

The new release also includes two new specifications, SCF223: 5G NR FAPI...

14 April 2020 | Hot Topics

Small Cell Forum publishes API to drive unified 5G open RAN

The Small Cell Forum (SCF) has published the PHY API for 5G to encourage a competitive ecosystem for 5G small cell hardware, software, and equipment vendors.

Ecosystem players will be provided an open and interoperable interface between the physical layer and the MAC layer. The PHY API has been developed with the help of a collaborative effort between companies from across the small cell ecosystem, which...

24 July 2019 | Small Cells