INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology
Aberdeen paves the way for
5G thanks to WIG and O2
/////////////////////////////
O2 is the first mobile operator to launch its services using the
infrastructure and has played a key role in its development, deploying
C-RAN technology which is new to the UK. O2 will initially run
advanced 4G services but the fibre-connected small cells pave the
way for 5G by enabling even faster speeds, lower latency and better
coordination between cells than traditional network methods. Better
coordination and lower latency is essential for the advancement of
future applications such as driverless vehicles.
THE SMALL CELL NETWORK
IN ABERDEEN REPRESENTS A
SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION
BETWEEN COUNCIL,
INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDER
AND MOBILE NETWORK
OPERATOR. IT IS A CRUCIAL
STEP ALONG THE PATH TO
MAKING THE UK 5G READY.
The first wave of small cell deployment in Aberdeen has now been
switched on in key parts of the city and the network passes busy
public venues such as the central railway station, Aberdeen University
and Aberdeen FC’s stadium. The network is expected to extend
across the rest of the city in the years ahead.
Scott Coates, CEO Wireless Infrastructure Group, said: “Every major
city in the UK is thinking about small cells but in the race to be 5G
ready, Aberdeen’s city council had the vision to unlock industry
investment in the enabling of wireless infrastructure needed to
transform mobile connectivity. Aberdeen City Council’s close
collaboration in the planning and deployment of our infrastructure
has been critical to the project’s success.
“Our Aberdeen investment marks a step change in WIG’s fibre
ambitions. There is an urgent need for more fibre infrastructure to
support the UK’s wireless sector and WIG plans to address this by
constructing bespoke new fibre networks for the deployment of small
cells and their integration with existing mobile backhaul networks.”
ireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) and O2 have partnered
to launch the UK’s first fibre-connected small cell network,
supporting C-RAN technology for faster and higher
capacity mobile services. WIG also announced plans to significantly
expand its fibre operations focused on serving mobile networks. Brendan O’Reilly, Chief Technology Officer at O2, added: “We are
delighted to be working with WIG on this project. Building digital
connectivity into our economic future is now essential to ensuring
that Scotland, and the rest of the UK, become some of the best-
connected countries in the world. The small cell network in Aberdeen
represents a successful collaboration between council, infrastructure
provider and mobile network operator. It is a crucial step along the
path to making the UK 5G ready.”
WIG’s new wireless infrastructure uses a network of small cells
attached to lamp posts and traffic lights across Aberdeen’s city centre.
The small cells are connected back to a nearby hub using WIG’s
newly constructed fibre links, which enable new network models that
deliver faster and higher capacity mobile services. The infrastructure
was designed, deployed and funded by WIG and is built to support all
mobile operators as well as other wireless networks. Councillor Douglas Lumsden, Aberdeen City Council Co-leader,
concluded: “We have a clear vision of enabling the best mobile and
wireless connectivity across Aberdeen to stimulate local economic
growth. Many departments across the council have engaged closely
with WIG to develop the processes needed to make this happen. We
are delighted with the deployment of this state-of-the-art network by
WIG, with O2 as the first mobile network to come on board.” n
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