Transforming Poles into 5G Sites with Alpha Fusion Streetworks Solutions

During a recent visit to Glasgow for the SCONDA project showcase, a collaborative initiative focused on advancing urban connectivity, I was struck by how far street-level network infrastructure has come in combining functionality with aesthetics. Among the most visually discreet and technically advanced deployments were those featuring Alpha Wireless' wraparound antennas. The AW4032 antenna stood out for its innovative design, enabling mid-pole mounting in a configuration that blended effortlessly with the urban environment while delivering high-performance 5G coverage. 

Live tests on attendees’ devices showed 5G download speeds reaching up to 720 Mbps, with improved coverage and congestion relief across city-centre locations. One attendee reported that the deployment achieved average 5G download speeds of 520 Mbps, while also reducing low-speed hours by 89% and reaching peaks of over 1 Gbps on small cells in a live dense environment.

It was good to see the SCONDA Project live in action in Glasgow. Impressive stats and speeds. Details of the project here: https://t.co/ftocJrBF5t

Latest PR here: https://t.co/sGwV5pP2JU#3G4G5G #Glasgow850 #4G #5G #VodafoneThree #OpenRAN #SmallCells pic.twitter.com/JOGQsxeYvu

— Zahid Ghadialy (@zahidtg) June 24, 2025

Alpha Wireless has developed its Fusion Streetworks solutions with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by operators in urban areas. As network densification accelerates, especially with the move towards 5G standalone architectures, securing new street-level sites is proving increasingly difficult. The Fusion Streetworks platform responds to this by making better use of existing infrastructure such as lamp posts and streetlights. The AW4032 antenna, which forms the centrepiece of this platform, is designed to mount mid-pole without requiring sidearms or external hardware that would increase wind loading or visual impact. As it is an antenna-only product, the AW4032 pairs with external small cell radios, offering operators flexibility in radio selection.

The AW4032 combines compact form with support for advanced radio capabilities. It supports 16 ports across dual bands — 1695 to 2690 MHz and 3300 to 4200 MHz — and enables 4x4 MIMO, delivering strong signal quality and throughput. When ports in adjacent sectors are connected, the antenna produces a pseudo-omnidirectional pattern, providing seamless 360-degree coverage suitable for dense urban environments, hotspots and high-traffic venues. It is also highly adaptable. Operators can configure the ports to suit different patterns: back-to-back for focused directional coverage, or four-way for broader area coverage, all using the same hardware.

This modularity means the same unit can serve single or dual-operator deployments, with each operator connecting to a separate set of ports. This enables shared infrastructure without interference and lowers total cost of ownership. For instance, the dual-operator setup divides the 16 ports between two MNOs while still offering pseudo-omni performance, which is particularly useful in areas where zoning permissions limit the number of separate installations.

What makes the solution especially effective in public spaces is the attention to detail in concealment. The Fusion platform includes options for radio shrouds and integrated cabling management to maintain a neat appearance. This has been instrumental in speeding up approvals in areas traditionally sensitive to new telecoms infrastructure.

Alpha Wireless has already seen its Fusion Streetworks solutions rolled out as part of a 5G standalone deployment in central Birmingham. Working with Ontix and Virgin Media O2, these antennas have been deployed on existing poles in busy city locations, demonstrating how legacy infrastructure can be revitalised to meet the demands of next-generation connectivity.

From an infrastructure perspective, the AW4032 exemplifies how antenna technology is evolving to match the operational and regulatory pressures of modern small cell deployment. It simplifies rollout, minimises street clutter, and offers a level of future readiness that is essential for long-term network planning. For cities looking to accelerate their 5G ambitions without compromising on design, Alpha Wireless’ Fusion Streetworks platform offers a proven and practical approach.

Understanding the Internet’s Hidden Infrastructure

Most people experience the Internet as a seamless service, but beneath that simplicity lies a multi-layered infrastructure made up of interconnected networks, routing policies, exchange points, and edge delivery platforms. These are the systems that keep global data flowing — reliably, efficiently, and at scale.

In our recent explainer video, we examine this invisible architecture by following the path of data from users to content providers and back again. The tutorial covers:

• The hierarchical structure of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and how they form transit chains by purchasing upstream connectivity
• The use of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) for settlement-free peering between networks, including the difference between public and private peering
• The infrastructure behind Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and the role of Netflix's Open Connect Appliances (OCAs)
• The emerging importance of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) in localising compute and reducing backbone load

We also touch on real-world examples such as:

• Swisscom’s temporary standoff with Netflix in 2016, highlighting the commercial tensions in peering agreements
• The more recent regulatory intervention by ComCom, requiring Swisscom to establish zero-settlement peering with Init7

These cases demonstrate how infrastructure policy, competitive pressure, and traffic engineering come together to shape the performance and openness of the Internet.

Watch the video below to better understand the physical and logical structures that underpin our digital world:

Whether you're in network planning, architecture, or policy, this video offers a concise look at the building blocks that make the Internet work.

You can download the slides from here.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: 'Story of the Edge' by Akamai
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: The Role of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) in Making Sure Internet Works 

Viettel’s Growing Influence in 5G, Private Networks and Open RAN

Back in 2020, we wrote about Viettel's ambition to launch 5G using homegrown technology. Fast forward to 2025 and the Vietnamese operator has significantly advanced those ambitions. At MWC 2025, Viettel showcased its latest Private 5G Network solutions, and has since taken major steps in deploying commercial Open RAN networks, developing international partnerships, and building its own end-to-end 5G ecosystem.

Viettel’s commercial Open RAN 5G network is now live in Vietnam, marking a major milestone in the operator’s journey from national champion to global contender. Powered by Qualcomm’s X100 platform for distributed units and QRU100 for Massive MIMO radio units, the network delivers high capacity and energy efficiency across multiple provinces. Viettel is using inline accelerators to offload baseband processing, lowering cost and power usage while enhancing performance. These O-RAN-compliant radio units support 32T32R Massive MIMO and form part of Viettel’s strategy to provide public and private 5G services with full network automation and orchestration capabilities.

This deployment is not just a local success story. Over 300 sites were deployed in the first quarter of 2025, with thousands more planned both within Vietnam and internationally. The scale of the effort makes Viettel one of the largest carriers to launch a commercial Open RAN network. In addition to the network infrastructure, Viettel High Tech (VHT), the group’s R&D and equipment manufacturing arm, has contributed a substantial portion of the RAN software, positioning itself as a serious technology supplier in its own right.

The software stack developed by Viettel replaces what operators would traditionally source from vendors like Ericsson or Nokia. Viettel High Tech's in-house team is responsible for critical software components that run on central and distributed units, while Qualcomm supplies the Layer 1 functions on dedicated inline accelerator cards. These accelerators bypass the need for general-purpose CPUs in handling time-sensitive RAN tasks, offering improved performance without compromising on the virtualisation or cloud-native aspects of the deployment. Qualcomm’s Layer 1 is containerised and compatible with cloud platforms from AWS and Red Hat, underlining its open architecture credentials.

Viettel’s use of inline accelerators on this scale is unprecedented. Each site includes an X100 card, making it one of the largest global deployments of this architecture. Outside Vietnam, most virtual RAN deployments rely on Intel’s lookaside model, where the CPU handles much of the processing. Viettel’s decision to go with inline accelerators marks a departure from this norm and showcases a different approach to RAN virtualisation.

The partnership between Viettel and Qualcomm is also expanding beyond Vietnam’s borders. At MWC Barcelona 2025, Viettel High Tech signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications (du) and its partner High Cloud Technologies. This agreement covers testing and future deployment of both 5G Open RAN and Private Network solutions in the UAE. The initial focus is on evaluating these technologies on du’s network, with potential applications in smart cities, industrial IoT and immersive technologies like AR and VR. This represents the first time Vietnamese-developed 5G equipment is being tested for commercial use outside the country.

The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s digital infrastructure strategy and could open the door to large-scale commercial deployments in the Middle East. Successful trials with du are a key step in Viettel’s broader plan to become a global supplier of advanced telecom infrastructure. Viettel is already present in markets such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Peru, where the 5G rollout is still in early stages. These regions offer opportunities for Viettel to replicate its success at home and extend its influence.

While Viettel’s 5G rollout includes other major vendors, with Ericsson and Nokia reportedly securing two-thirds of the deployment share, the remaining share, driven by Viettel High Tech and Qualcomm, is significant in scale and innovation. The collaboration showcases an alternative model where operators develop critical network software in-house and pair it with silicon from a specialised vendor.

Qualcomm’s contribution is not limited to the distributed units. The company also provides critical components for radio units, including beamforming and signal processing via its QRU and QTR chips. These are integrated into Viettel’s Massive MIMO units, each equipped with 32 transmitters and receivers, enhancing both coverage and capacity. Although the solution appears vertically integrated, Qualcomm continues to validate its Open RAN credentials through efforts such as interoperability work with NEC under the OREX programme in Japan.

Viettel’s approach demonstrates a vertically integrated yet standards-compliant model that leverages in-house development, strategic partnerships, and cloud-native design. It is building a scalable and sustainable 5G infrastructure that supports both domestic and international ambitions. As it rolls out thousands more sites and extends its presence into new markets, Viettel is proving that national champions can innovate at a global level.

Vietnam’s investment in indigenous telecom technology and its collaboration with global partners like Qualcomm is reshaping perceptions of where cutting-edge 5G innovation can originate. With continued momentum in Open RAN, Private Networks, and global expansion, Viettel is now firmly established as a telecoms infrastructure player to watch.

NTT DOCOMO Trialled Japan’s First Self-powered Hydropower Base Station

In a move to advance sustainable telecom infrastructure, NTT DOCOMO launched a trial of Japan’s first self-powered hydropower mobile base station in May 2024. The initiative aimed to explore the viability of using flowing water from irrigation canals and similar sources to generate renewable energy for base stations, particularly in rural locations where power options are limited.

The trial featured a compact hydroelectric system based on a jet turbine co-developed with Professor Yukihiro Shimatani of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto. The turbine design integrated the nozzle and turbine into a single unit, which allowed for simplified manufacturing using 3D printing. This approach reduced both complexity and cost, making it suitable for distributed deployments in hard-to-reach areas.

The hydropower system was designed to generate electricity and convert it into a usable form for powering mobile base stations. It also collected real-time data on power output, water flow and pressure. This data was transmitted to DOCOMO’s Energy Management System platform, which monitored and controlled power distribution while visualising the reduction in CO2 emissions achieved through the system.

DOCOMO had previously relied on solar-powered green base stations to reduce its environmental impact. By March 2024, the company had deployed 286 such sites, equipped with photovoltaic panels and large storage batteries to maintain operations during grid outages. However, in areas where solar energy was not practical, DOCOMO explored alternative renewable sources, with hydropower emerging as a promising candidate.

The hydropower base station trial formed part of DOCOMO’s broader environmental commitment. The company had set out to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030 and across its supply chain by 2040. With mobile base stations accounting for approximately seventy percent of DOCOMO’s energy use, the trial addressed a critical aspect of energy sustainability.

Over the one-year demonstration period, DOCOMO aimed to optimise the system’s electrical design and integration with mobile infrastructure. It also assessed which types of base stations could benefit most from hydroelectric power and how the system could be scaled for broader deployment. The company targeted March 2025 as the timeline for evaluating results and considering next steps.

This trial represented more than just an engineering exercise. It reflected a growing focus within the telecoms sector on decarbonisation, resilience and innovation. By experimenting with alternative renewable energy sources, DOCOMO showed how network operators could adapt infrastructure for a lower-carbon future, while improving coverage and reliability in off-grid areas.

As telecom networks continue to expand, projects like this highlighted the importance of flexible, locally sourced power solutions in shaping a sustainable infrastructure roadmap.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Electric Vehicles as a Resilient Power Source for Telecom Infrastructure
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: NTT Docomo's Cell On Wheels (COW)
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Docomo's COW Setup at Peaceful Park 2024
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK Switches-on First Live 'Self-Powering' Mobile Phone Mast
• Connectivity Technology Blog - Testing, Refining, and Improving Stratospheric Connectivity: NTT Docomo’s HAPS Trials 

How Vodafone UK Prepares its Network for Storms and Heatwaves

Extreme weather is a growing concern for mobile network operators, and Vodafone is no exception. Storms and heatwaves can damage infrastructure, interrupt power supply, and delay repair work. To keep people connected during such events, Vodafone has developed a range of technical measures and operational strategies that help it prepare for and respond to disruption.

The most exposed part of the network is the mast, which is usually above ground and can be up to 25 metres tall. While it is not possible to make these completely immune to bad weather, Vodafone designs them with resilience in mind. Many mast sites are equipped with backup batteries and generator connection points, provided there is space to install them safely.

Vodafone operates around 18,000 masts across the UK. Each one is part of the wider Radio Access Network, with traffic routed through dedicated signalling controllers hosted in secure data centres. These centres are equipped to maintain at least one mobile service, even in the event of a power outage, by prioritising the use of backup power.

In rural areas, some masts rely on microwave links instead of fibre or copper connections. These links require a clear line of sight between masts, so engineers carry out preventative maintenance to remove any vegetation that might interfere with signal transmission.

The Network Operations Centre (NOC) monitors the network and directs field engineers. During weather alerts, Vodafone increases staffing levels to improve response times and ensure the right resources are in place. Temperature sensors at mast sites detect heat-related issues and automatically alert the NOC if thresholds are exceeded. This can lead to quick interventions, such as cleaning or replacing clogged air filters in cooling systems.

If a mast repeatedly shows signs of overheating, the NOC flags it for further investigation. Possible solutions include enhanced maintenance schedules or upgrading the cooling technology. Despite all these precautions, access and repair work after storms or floods can still be complicated by damaged roads or infrastructure. Engineers may need to assess fibre cables, antennas or even the structural integrity of masts.

Where power supply is disrupted for extended periods, Vodafone’s network planners must carefully manage the use of batteries and generators. Coordination with external bodies such as the National Grid is often essential.

By investing in resilient infrastructure and ensuring rapid response capabilities, Vodafone aims to keep its mobile network running reliably, even in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone Explains Mobile Phone Mast
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK's 5G Infrastructure
• The 3G4G Blog: What is meant by Infrastructure in a Telecoms Network?
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK Takes COWs to the Fields
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Testing Vodafone UK's Open RAN Deployment Performance
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone's 5G+ Street Lights in Cologne, Germany
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK Switches-on First Live 'Self-Powering' Mobile Phone Mast
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK improving coverage with Phone Boxes, Mini-masts & Manhole Covers
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Disguising Small Cells in Rural areas 

FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO: Unlocking Sub-3 GHz Potential for 5G Evolution

Huawei has begun commercial deployments of its FDD Tri-Band Massive MIMO solution, focusing on sub-3 GHz spectrum across Africa and several other global markets. Countries such as Nigeria, Angola, and Côte d'Ivoire are among the first to benefit, with deployments also expected across Asia Pacific, Central Asia, and Latin America.

This new technology is being positioned to solve two key challenges for mobile operators. First, it tackles the persistent increase in 4G traffic, which continues to grow year on year. Second, it enhances the user experience for 5G services without demanding vast new spectrum allocations. Huawei claims the solution delivers significant performance improvements over the conventional 4T4R setup, including handling almost twice as much 4G traffic during peak times, tripling user-perceived speeds, and halving the use of physical resource blocks.

Underpinning these benefits are innovations like Real Wide Bandwidth and Compact Dipole technologies. These allow multiple FDD bands such as 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.6 GHz to be processed using a shared filter, antenna array, and power amplifier. This not only enables efficient spectrum use but also simplifies site deployments. Huawei reports that 5G network capacity can be boosted up to sevenfold with uplink coverage extended by 8 dB, both of which are especially important as mobile AI services increase the demand for higher uplink bandwidth and wider coverage.

#Huawei's tri-band FDD Massive MIMO solution is the first of its kind, packed with cutting-edge technologies like GigaBand Beamforming and "0 Bit 0 Watt", which empowers diversified 5.5G experience while minimizing power consumption. 🚀 #MWC24 #5GAdvanced pic.twitter.com/3vD3p8qXmc

— Huawei Wireless (@HuaweiWireless) February 20, 2024

The market conditions in Africa illustrate why this approach is timely. Rapid urbanisation and a large population base have created surging demand for mobile data, leading to congestion and degraded user experience. Many sites already host conventional Massive MIMO technology, but with traffic increasing by 50 percent annually, a more efficient capacity solution is urgently needed.

The broader role of sub-3 GHz FDD spectrum in 5G development is also coming into sharper focus. While early 5G investment emphasised the upper mid-band due to its wide contiguous spectrum, the sub-3 GHz FDD bands now represent a crucial part of the coverage and capacity equation. These bands collectively offer around 100 MHz of paired spectrum and are essential for extending 5G services beyond dense urban centres into suburban and rural areas. Their propagation characteristics provide better in-building penetration and a stronger uplink experience.

Operators have traditionally used these bands to complement mid-band deployments, but case studies suggest they can form the backbone of high-performance networks when optimised correctly. In the Netherlands, for example, delays in mid-band spectrum availability led operators to rely heavily on FDD spectrum. Despite these constraints, they achieved strong data rate and latency performance by tightly integrating 4G and 5G technologies.

One persistent issue is the fragmentation of spectrum across multiple bands, which can complicate radio access network design. Physical site constraints and antenna complexity remain challenges, particularly as physical cell site growth slows. This has led to a push for site simplification through wideband and multiband radio solutions. Many equipment vendors now offer radios that can support three FDD bands within a single unit, often using a shared power amplifier and filter. This not only reduces size and weight but also lowers power consumption and speeds up deployment.

Although Massive MIMO is generally seen as more effective with TDD, Huawei believes its latest advancements in intelligent beamforming and multi-band serving cell configurations can change that narrative. By treating multiple FDD bands as a single carrier and applying advanced beamforming, spectral efficiency can be dramatically improved. According to Huawei, this combination can deliver a tenfold gain in throughput and a 10 dB improvement in coverage compared to standard 4T4R systems.

With the shift toward 5G Advanced on the horizon, operators must get the most out of their existing spectrum assets. Sub-3 GHz FDD spectrum may not be new, but with the right technology, it can provide the performance needed to meet modern data demands and support the next wave of mobile services.

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• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: China Deploys 5G-A Synaesthesia in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
• Private Networks Technology Blog: Huawei's Smart 5G Warehouse - Future of Logistics
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Huawei's RuralLink Solution Proposes to 'Connect the Unconnected'
• Free 6G Training: Huawei's Keynote at EuCNC & 6G Summit 2023 on 'On the Convergence Route for 6G'
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Huawei MetaAAU Promises Improvement in 5G Network Performance and Energy Efficiency
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Huawei Explains Antennas and Radomes
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Huawei 5G Lampsite wins awards and speed tests 

Mobile Internet Setup for Vanlife: Infrastructure Insights from The Road Two Spoons

In today’s age of digital nomadism, mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. For vanlifers like Jess and Marcus, better known as The Road Two Spoons, staying online while travelling full-time across Europe and Türkiye requires more than just a mobile hotspot. Their campervan serves as both home and office, meaning a robust and redundant internet setup is essential.

Their upgraded system offers a great case study into the infrastructure behind reliable van-based internet. It combines cellular and satellite connectivity with intelligent routing and efficient power use—demonstrating how mobile networking hardware can be optimised for life on the road.

The Core: A Multi-Path Internet Router

At the heart of the setup is the Teltonika RUTX50, a compact yet powerful 3G/4G/5G modem-router that supports multiple WAN inputs and advanced network management. Key features include:

• Dual SIM support for redundancy (though only one slot is currently in use)
• Auto-switching and load balancing capabilities
• A low power draw suitable for off-grid living
• 12V operation with physical on/off switching
• Multiple antenna ports: 4 x SMA for 5G, 2 x ReSMA for Wi-Fi, and 1 x SMA for GPS
• 5 x Gigabit Ethernet ports for flexible wired connections

The router integrates seamlessly with both a 5G antenna and a Starlink dish, offering connectivity even in the most remote regions.

Cellular Connectivity: Poynting Antenna Integration

For cellular signal reception, the van uses a Poynting MIMO-4-4 5G antenna. This external, roof-mounted unit connects directly to the RUTX50 to ensure strong signal acquisition, especially in fringe coverage areas.

This antenna enhances the performance of their ConnectPls Europe unlimited data SIM, providing primary connectivity when Starlink is unavailable or switched off. The setup allows automatic failover between cellular and satellite internet sources, keeping downtime to a minimum.

Satellite Support: Starlink Gen3 + Starvmount

Mounted securely on the van roof is a Starlink Gen3 (V4) dish, using the Starvmount DishyMultiMount. This combination ensures:

• Flat, in-motion satellite connectivity via Starlink Roam
• Fixed mounting at an optimal 8° angle, aiding both signal quality and weather resilience
• Improved mechanical security over Starlink’s original mobility mount

Thanks to Starlink’s global coverage and low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, the couple can achieve 200+ Mbps speeds in locations where even sending a text would otherwise be impossible.

Power Considerations: 12V Starlink Conversion

To avoid reliance on inverters and 230V AC power, the Starlink system runs directly off the van’s 12V power system using a Starvmount Dishy NoAC DC power supply. This device:

• Accepts a wide input voltage (9–36V), suitable for 12V or 24V installations
• Offers plug-and-play integration between the Starlink dish and the RUTX50
• Eliminates the need for Starlink’s original AC-powered router
• Emits a minor static noise under load, so is ideally installed in a cupboard or enclosed space

A dedicated 12V switch allows the system to be powered down when not in use, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Cabling and Waterproofing: Roof-Grade Sealing

Cables for both Starlink and the Poynting antenna are routed through the van’s roof using Scanstrut DS-H-MULTI-BLK cable seals. These seals are:

• IP68-rated for waterproofing
• UV-stable to withstand prolonged sun exposure
• Trusted for roof penetrations in marine and automotive applications

This careful attention to weatherproofing ensures long-term reliability of the system, even in extreme environments.

One Wi-Fi Access Point, Seamless Switching

Because both Starlink and cellular data feed into the same RUTX50 router, the van operates a single internal Wi-Fi access point. The router automatically prioritises the Starlink connection when available, and falls back to the SIM card with minimal delay when Starlink is powered off.

This means no manual reconfiguration is required, simplifying the digital experience onboard and allowing Jess and Marcus to focus on their work, travel, and content creation.

Final Thoughts: Engineering Freedom on Four Wheels

What makes this campervan internet setup impressive is not just the performance, but the thoughtful integration of multiple technologies: 5G, satellite broadband, power management, and rugged installation. By combining a modular approach with careful hardware selection, The Road Two Spoons have created a high-reliability infrastructure that could easily be adapted to off-grid cabins, remote workstations, or mobile command vehicles.

As connectivity becomes more critical in all forms of modern living, this vanlife case study offers valuable insights into how telecom infrastructure can be effectively deployed outside traditional settings—bringing reliable broadband to wherever the road leads.

Watch the Setup in Action 🎥

Here’s a short video from The Road Two Spoons walking through their full campervan internet setup—from antennas to modems and Starlink on 12V:

Related Posts

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog - Decoding Starlink: The Technology Behind the Revolution
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Panorama's ESN Antennas
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Taoglas Advanced Antennas and RF Components
• Connectivity Technology Blog: KDDI Prepares for Disasters with Vehicle-Mounted Base Stations Backhauled via Starlink
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Kai Müller on Connecting the Unreachable with Starlink
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Verizon uses Satellite Connectivity to Restore Services after Hurricane 

Small Cells Powering Infrastructure Innovation Across the Middle East

The Small Cells World Summit (SCWS) – Saudi Arabia 2024, held in Riyadh as part of the Connected World conference, showcased how small cell infrastructure is driving digital transformation across the Middle East. With the region pursuing ambitious smart city, industrial, and connectivity projects, the event highlighted the critical role of small cells in delivering scalable, energy-efficient, and future-ready networks.

Giga-Projects Fuelling Small Cell Growth

Across the Middle East, giga-projects are redefining the telecom landscape. From Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and Red Sea Project to UAE’s smart city initiatives, these mega-initiatives are driving advanced small cell deployments and private networks. The region’s focus on newly built cities and large-scale residential and leisure complexes is creating opportunities for pervasive indoor and outdoor connectivity powered by small cells.

Neutral Hosts and Venue Connectivity on the Rise

While the neutral host model is still in its early stages in the region, the summit revealed growing interest in shared infrastructure. With major events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, stadium connectivity was a key topic. The need for densified outdoor and venue networks to enhance visitor experiences is driving investment in small cells and Open RAN solutions.

Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Networks

The Middle East is making significant strides in sustainable telecom infrastructure. The Red Sea Global project in Saudi Arabia unveiled the world’s first carbon-neutral 5G network, powered by a 1.3GWh lithium microgrid. Meanwhile, hybrid solar-powered telecom towers are gaining momentum across the region, helping to reduce reliance on diesel-powered off-grid towers and promote green connectivity.

Data Centres and Edge Expansion

The summit also highlighted the growing role of data centres and edge infrastructure in the region’s digital strategy. With low-latency connectivity (as low as 30ms) and a rising demand for cloud and hyperscale services, the Middle East is becoming increasingly attractive to global and regional players. The combination of renewable energy and hyperscale data centres is expected to drive energy-efficient, resilient connectivity.

Conclusion

SCWS Saudi Arabia 2024 demonstrated that small cell infrastructure is at the heart of the Middle East’s digital transformation. From giga-projects and neutral hosts to green networks and edge expansion, small cells are enabling the region’s ambitious connectivity, sustainability, and smart city goals.

You can download the presentations from SCF's SCWS Saudi Arabia site here.

Docomo's COW Setup at Peaceful Park 2024

In support of the Noto Peninsula's recovery, PEACEFUL PARK 2024 took place on July 6-7. NTT Docomo played a key role, both as a co-host and by ensuring robust connectivity for attendees.

To maintain stable communication, Docomo deployed a mobile base station vehicle and "Carry 5G" equipment to cover indoor live venues. Leveraging Massive MIMO technology, they provided a reliable network even in crowded areas. The Docomo booth also showcased their disaster response initiatives, highlighting their commitment to resilient infrastructure.

「PEACEFUL PARK 2024 for 能登」
7月6,7日に能登半島の被災地復興支援を目的としたライブイベントが開催されました🕊️

会場にはドコモの移動基地局車が📡

実は、ドコモはこのイベントを共催しているうちの一社！
ドコモのブースでは災害対応についての展示もしていたんです☝… pic.twitter.com/Pb40EthBQa

— NTTドコモ (@docomo) July 11, 2024

Events like these not only celebrate community strength but also showcase the importance of adaptive telecom solutions in disaster-affected regions.

＼イベントのネットワーク対策に密着🔍／
実は「PEACEFUL PARK 2024 for 能登」のネットワーク対策は数日前から準備していました！

今回は移動基地局車のほか、屋内ライブ会場をカバーするキャリー5Gという機材も稼働☝
動画はキャリー5Gを設営しているところです👀

そしてイベントの対策では初✨… https://t.co/XEXDMKIeaw pic.twitter.com/EOip6KvoJo

— NTTドコモ (@docomo) August 7, 2024

The above video shows setting up of the temporary mast, a.k.a. Cell on Wheel at the event.

Related Posts:

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Electric Vehicles as a Resilient Power Source for Telecom Infrastructure
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: NTT Docomo's Cell On Wheels (COW)
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: NTT Docomo's 5G Network is based on 'Open RAN' Principles
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: NTT Docomo's 5G RAN Infrastructure 

Meta's Project Waterworth: The Next Evolution in Subsea Connectivity

Meta has unveiled its most ambitious subsea cable project to date — Project Waterworth, previously referred to as "W", because of it's shape. The multi-billion-dollar initiative is set to become the longest subsea cable in the world, spanning over 50,000 km and connecting five major continents, including the U.S., India, Brazil, and South Africa. With 24 fibre pairs delivering the highest capacity technology available, Project Waterworth will redefine global digital infrastructure and enhance connectivity for billions of users.

Subsea cables form the backbone of the internet, carrying more than 95% of intercontinental traffic and enabling global communication, financial transactions, and AI-driven innovations. With this latest venture, Meta aims to open three new oceanic corridors, ensuring high-speed, reliable connectivity that will power the next wave of AI advancements worldwide. By leveraging cutting-edge routing techniques, enhanced burial methods in high-risk areas, and deep-sea deployments up to 7,000 metres, Project Waterworth is designed for maximum resilience and security.

India at the Centre of Meta’s Connectivity Vision

India is central to Meta’s strategy, with its platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—serving over a billion users in the country. With AI adoption accelerating, demand for data centre capacity and seamless connectivity is at an all-time high. Project Waterworth is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting India’s digital economy by providing the necessary infrastructure to handle AI workloads, cloud services, and high-speed internet demands.

The project also underscores Meta’s shift in subsea cable strategy. Unlike its earlier 2Africa initiative, which followed a consortium approach, Project Waterworth appears to be a fully owned and controlled system. This mirrors Google's model of securing dedicated infrastructure for strategic markets rather than relying on shared capacity. While this approach ensures end-to-end control and security, it diverges from the collaborative model that has been highly successful in previous large-scale subsea cable projects.

Bypassing Global Chokepoints

One of the key aspects of Project Waterworth is its avoidance of politically sensitive and high-risk regions. Meta has reportedly designed the cable to steer clear of the Red Sea, the South China Sea, Egypt, and the Malacca Strait—areas that have become significant geopolitical bottlenecks for global internet traffic. By taking a direct route between the U.S. and India with strategic stops in South Africa and potentially Australia, Project Waterworth aims to ensure long-term security and avoid the risks associated with conflict zones and regulatory challenges in transit countries.

However, this bypassing of traditional routes does come with a trade-off: increased latency. Despite this, Meta appears to prioritise long-term security and reliability over marginal improvements in data transmission speeds. The project will also likely face regulatory hurdles, particularly in India, where obtaining permits for marine surveys and installations is notoriously complex and time-consuming.

The Battle for AI Connectivity Dominance

Meta’s decision to fully own Project Waterworth could have wider implications for the subsea cable industry. If Meta excludes partners, it may push competitors like Google to develop their own dedicated infrastructure to serve India’s growing digital ecosystem. Given the scale of investment—potentially exceeding $10 billion over the next decade—this move signals a new era of tech giants building independent, AI-optimised connectivity solutions.

While Project Waterworth marks a significant leap forward in global connectivity, the challenge will be balancing rapid deployment with regulatory constraints. If successful, it will not only strengthen Meta’s position as a digital infrastructure leader but also cement India’s role as a global AI powerhouse in the decades to come.

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