BT/EE’s Growing Dependence on Small Cells to Boost Network Performance

EE, the consumer division of BT Group, stands as one of the UK’s largest subscription businesses, serving 25 million customers. Backed by the UK’s fastest mobile network, EE claims to deliver superfast connections in more locations than any other mobile network operator in the country.

Back in March 2022, EE announced that it has successfully deployed 200 new small cells across its UK network to boost capacity in high demand areas, allowing customers to benefit from download speeds up to 300Mbps. The press release noted:

EE has successfully deployed 200 new small cells across its UK network to boost capacity in high demand areas, allowing customers to benefit from 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 to maintain the UK’s best network.

Working in partnership with Nokia, EE uses advanced network analytics to identify areas where small cells will deliver a boost to network performance. A 4G small cell solution is then deployed which uses multiple spectrum bands to give a better experience. EE’s licenced 1800MHz and 2600Mhz spectrum bands are coupled with unlicenced 5GHz spectrum, to deliver standout speeds in densely congested areas. Working with local authorities, EE is making use of existing street assets to minimise their impact, including lamp posts, CCTV columns and BT phone boxes.

As well as Leeds, London and Manchester, EE and Nokia have also brought these new small cells online in parts of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Scarborough. Hundreds more small cell deployments are planned in the next 18 months, as EE uses the technology to bring additional network capacity to more locations, including some summer hotspots. EE’s commitment to providing the highest possible quality of experience will also see its use of small cells extend to its 5G network, with trials expected to begin soon. Nokia’s AirScale portfolio can also be seamlessly upgraded to 5G.

Then a BT press release in June 2023 highlighted that EE now had 611 small cell sites carrying 20TB of data traffic every day – the equivalent of streaming 8,000 hours of HD video or 280,000 hours of music – demonstrating the substantial value they offer to customers in high demand areas, as well as the importance of EE’s strategy to build prior to the arrival of any congestion whenever possible.

The most recent announcement from Aug 2024 highlighted that EE has now deployed over 1000 small cells across the UK, marking 400 new deployments over the last 12 months including its first 5G sites, recently installed in Croydon, London. The press release said: 

EE’s first 5G small cells are also now live as part of a trial taking place in the London Borough of Croydon. Seven sites, including four along Croydon’s London Road – a busy thoroughfare lined with businesses, shops and homes – are now supporting the local community, seeing over 3TB of traffic each day.

EE uses advanced network analytics to identify specific locations which would benefit from the performance boost enabled by a small cell. It then works with partners Nokia and Ericsson to deploy the solution itself, reducing congestion and enabling customers to benefit from speeds of up to 300Mbps for 4G cells, and 600Mbps for 5G. EE is unique within Europe in combining licenced 1800MHz and 2600Mhz spectrum with unlicensed 5GHz spectrum in its 4G small cells, which helps to deliver excellent capacity and speeds. The new 5G cells in Croydon are configured with licensed 1800MHz spectrum for 4G and 3.5GHz for 5G.

In addition to the above announcements, Freshwave, a connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider, announced that they have deployed neutral host solution in the City of London and EE are the first MNO to go live on this infrastructure. Their press release said:

A first-of-its-kind outdoor small cell project in the City of London has been such a success that it has now moved beyond the trial phase. Twenty-five new sites for mobile network operator (MNO) EE are now live on Freshwave’s infrastructure, adding capacity and enhancing the 4G and 5G network experience for EE mobile users in one of the world’s preeminent financial districts. Dozens of additional new sites for EE are also currently being built and will enhance mobile connectivity to the UK’s best network(1) in even more of the Square Mile when they are brought live in the future.

Freshwave, a connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider, built new mobile infrastructure for the project and EE was the first MNO to go live in December 2022. Across all of the sites involved in the initial pilot, EE is seeing up to 7.5TB of data downloaded per week. 

Freshwave’s bespoke solution enables the network to accommodate all four MNOs on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments needed to the infrastructure – making it a UK first. The solution features specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and extensive dark fibre to each cabinet.

As a neutral host, Freshwave operates the network deploying shareable infrastructure, reducing equipment duplication and creating a more cost-effective solution. This approach also minimises street clutter and the associated disruption during street works. Shareable infrastructure also reduces the environmental impact, while still assuring the mobile connectivity people expect when out and about.

The 25 new live sites are strategically located throughout the Square Mile, including notable landmarks such as outside St Paul’s Cathedral, Cannon Street and the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street.

Outdoor small cells are installed at street level which make them ideal for adding capacity to mobile networks. In busy urban areas, where large numbers of people use their mobiles simultaneously, demand on the macro network can be substantial. Outdoor small cells help alleviate some of this demand themselves, relieving the macro network and ensuring a better experience for users. 

I anticipate many more announcements like these in the future, as the industry increasingly relies on higher frequencies to relieve capacity constraints in densely populated urban areas. 

Related Posts: 

• Operator Watch Blog: EE Combines More 4G and 5G Spectrum for Even Higher Data Rates
• Connectivity Technology Blog: 5G Demystified; the What, When and Where by Prof. Andy Sutton, BT
• Operator Watch Blog: BT UK's Journey to Automation
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Small Cells in BT Phone Boxes
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Meshing for BYOC (Bring Your Own Coverage) 

Planning, Constructing, and Commissioning a Mobile Network Site

In an earlier post we looked at Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies. A slightly older post on LinkedIn detailed the Telecom Site Installation process. Taking the post, the comments, some help from ChatGPT, here is a detailed process of planning, constructing, and commissioning a mobile network site. If you have an experience in this area, feel free to chip-in. 

1. Site Planning and Design: This phase involves assessing the need for a new mobile site, selecting a suitable location, and designing the layout of the infrastructure.

• Coverage and Capacity Analysis:
• Conduct radio frequency (RF) planning and coverage analysis to determine areas with poor or no signal.
• Analyze user demand and traffic patterns to ensure the new site will meet current and future capacity needs.
• Site Selection:
• Identify potential site locations that meet RF requirements, zoning laws, and accessibility needs.
• Conduct a site survey to evaluate the physical space, including accessibility, security, and suitability for equipment installation.
• Ensure the site provides optimal line of sight for network coverage.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
• Assess the environmental impact of the site, including factors like wildlife, vegetation, and local landmarks.
• Identify any potential noise or visual pollution issues and assess community concerns or objections.
• Permitting and Approvals:
• Obtain necessary zoning permits and approvals from local authorities.
• Secure additional permits, such as construction permits, environmental approvals, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Network Design and Engineering:
• Design the overall site layout, including tower or mast structure, equipment placement, and power supply.
• Conduct interference analysis with other nearby frequencies or signals to prevent service disruption.
• Develop an engineering plan for the site, including foundation design, structural analysis, and electrical system requirements.

2. Site Acquisition and Preparation: This phase focuses on securing the site and preparing it for construction.

• Leasing or Purchasing the Site:
• Negotiate lease agreements or purchase the land with the landowner.
• Finalize contracts with the property owner, detailing the duration, costs, and terms for operating the mobile site.
• Site Preparation:
• Clear the site and ensure it’s ready for construction, which may involve land leveling, vegetation removal, and installing access roads if necessary.
• Secure the site with fencing or barriers for safety and to prevent unauthorized access.
• Utility Coordination:
• Arrange for the provision of utilities, including electricity, water, and access roads if needed.
• Plan for backup power solutions such as generators or batteries to ensure continuous operation.
• Material and Equipment Procurement:
• Order and procure necessary materials and equipment, including towers, antennas, base transceiver stations (BTS), and other essential hardware.
• Arrange logistics for equipment delivery, warehousing, and on-site storage.

An example of a pelican case with equipment safely stored for transport

3. Construction: This phase involves the physical construction of the mobile network site and the installation of all required equipment.

• Tower or Mast Construction:
• Construct the tower or mast, which may be self-supporting, guyed, or mounted on a rooftop, depending on the site.
• Install safety features on the tower, including lightning protection, fall-arrest systems, and grounding systems.
• Shelter and Equipment Installation:
• Install a shelter or housing unit for network equipment, such as base stations, power supplies, and batteries.
• Set up the power system, which includes connecting to the power grid, installing backup generators, or solar panels if needed.
• Antenna and Radio Installation:
• Mount antennas, microwave dishes, and any other required transmission equipment on the tower.
• Connect radio units, transceivers, and other radio-frequency equipment to the antennas and configure them for optimal coverage.
• Cable Installation:
• Install coaxial, fiber optic, and power cables to connect antennas, base stations, and other equipment.
• Ensure proper cable management and secure all cabling to prevent wear and damage.
• Site Testing and Quality Assurance:
• Perform structural testing of the tower and foundation to ensure stability and compliance with standards.
• Conduct electrical and grounding system tests to verify operational safety.

4. Commissioning: This phase involves configuring and testing the equipment to ensure the site functions properly and is integrated into the larger mobile network.

• Initial Power-Up and Configuration:
• Power up the equipment, including base transceiver stations (BTS), antennas, and other network equipment.
• Configure settings on the BTS, radio equipment, and other hardware according to the network design specifications.
• Network Integration and Testing:
• Integrate the new site into the mobile network, linking it to the network core and neighboring sites.
• Test network connectivity, handover capabilities, data throughput, call quality, and signal strength.
• Conduct drive tests and performance monitoring to assess coverage and adjust configurations as needed.
• Optimization and Troubleshooting:
• Fine-tune settings based on initial performance testing and feedback from engineers.
• Address any connectivity issues, interference, or hardware malfunctions to ensure optimal performance.
• Regulatory Compliance Testing:
• Conduct tests to ensure the site complies with all regulatory standards, including RF exposure limits, signal interference, and safety protocols.
• Verify that the site meets environmental and local authority requirements.

5. Handover and Maintenance Planning: After the site is fully operational, the last step involves handing it over for ongoing maintenance and ensuring a plan is in place for regular site management.

• Site Handover:
• Document all installation and testing details and hand over operational responsibility to the network operations team.
• Train maintenance personnel on site-specific details and procedures for routine maintenance.
• Routine Maintenance Scheduling:
• Establish a schedule for regular maintenance, including checking equipment, tower structure, and electrical systems.
• Plan for ongoing monitoring of performance and implement a system for handling fault reports and corrective maintenance.
• Monitoring and Optimization:
• Set up remote monitoring tools to continuously assess site performance, traffic loads, and equipment health.
• Periodically re-evaluate coverage, capacity, and performance to make adjustments based on network growth and user demand.

Each phase involves careful coordination, especially for securing approvals, coordinating with equipment vendors, and ensuring that all safety and regulatory standards are met. This approach ensures that the mobile site is built to provide reliable service and can adapt to future demands.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies
• The 3G4G Blog: What is meant by Infrastructure in a Telecoms Network?
• The 3G4G Blog: Mobile Network Cell Tower Site Construction
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Construction of a Self-Supporting Tower (SST)
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone Explains Mobile Phone Mast 

High-Speed FWA Using mmWave With the Help of Li-Fi

On a regular basis I keep reading about how Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to gain ground at the expense of cable operators, especially in the USA (see articles by Ookla, OpenSignal). One of the challenges with FWA is the need to (generally) install external antennas, especially when higher frequencies like mmWaves is involved.

One of the approach would be to use transparent antennas that I have explained here. This would be difficult for residential consumers. The other approach, championed by pureLiFi is to use Light Based Communications to let the signal pass from outside to inside. Both these approaches were my wow moments at MWC 2024.

One of the interesting and impressive demos at #MWC24 was from pureLiFi (@purelifi) and Solace (@SolacePower) to send the signal from outdoors to indoors, powered through glass. This is a much simpler solution compared to transparent antennas in glasses but needs investigation. pic.twitter.com/CTG6F7Hz2q

— Zahid Ghadialy (@zahidtg) February 28, 2024

TelecomTV has a nice write-up on the pureLiFi/Solace solution from the conference here. Quoting from that:

This week, pureLiFi announced the LINXC Bridge, a self-installable double limpet that attaches itself to both sides of a window (see picture, above). 

“The idea is to help the signal get through glass,” explained pureLiFi CEO, Alistair Banham. The device transmits an optical version of the incoming radio signal through the glass window so the data can then be distributed to a router or other device once inside the room.

According to Banham, “getting outside signals in” has become ever more difficult as radio technologies have climbed the frequency range and adopted complex encodings, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), while the materials used to construct buildings have become less  permeable to radio signals. This is a looming problem, he says, because telcos will increasingly rely on millimetre wave (mmWave) fixed 5G radio links to extend broadband services, especially to those hard-to-reach homes and businesses in remote locations, and mmWave doesn’t like walls or windows.

The pureLiFi LINXC Bridge, developed in partnership with Canadian company Solace Power, is designed to overcome some of those problems. “A top priority is the avoidance of truck roll, so a key attraction for our telco customers is the system’s ease of installation – there’s no requirement to for an outside antenna or hole-boring through the side of the customer’s building, as the LINXC is designed to be self-installed, which eliminates installation costs and shortens the time to market for telco-delivered wireless broadband,” said Banham.

But the real Li-Fi breakthrough came about halfway through 2023 when the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) took the wraps off 802.11bb, the optical variant of the Wi-Fi standard and, as a result, Li-Fi and Wi-Fi should be able to interwork within a customer’s premises. 

“Last year,” Banham explained, “we developed the light antenna so a Wi-Fi network can see it as just another antenna, so now we have full interoperability and that means we can demonstrate a complete ecosystem so that customers can see, touch, feel and understand its benefits.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit, and most attractive niche for Li-Fi, is within so-called radio sensitive environments which, thanks to the interoperability with Wi-Fi,  will enable it to selectively reach and connect things like critical medical equipment, for instance (a large and growing application area).

The new mmWave bridge product isn’t pureLiFi’s only offering –  there’s SkyLite, a “whole-room Li-Fi access point” and the Cube, described as a simple, secure working from home, gaming, streaming and on-the-move connectivity device.  

Banham says the ambition doesn’t stop there, as the company has plans to have Li-Fi “augment and extend other wireless and wireless technologies, ushering in a new era of bandwidth, speed and reliable communications."

The press release from Solace Power also includes the video of the solution and is available here.

Related Posts: 

• Free 6G Training: 6G News and Announcements from MWC 2024
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Li-Fi and Other Visible Light Communications (VLC) Standards
• The 3G4G Blog: A Different Approach for Mobile Network Densification
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Rethinking LiFi for Low-Power and Long Range RF Backscatter
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Is Li-Fi Gaining Momentum as an Alternative Beyond 5G?
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Is LiFi (Light-Fidelity) Ready for Beyond-5G?
• The 3G4G Blog: LiFi can be a valuable tool for densification
• The 3G4G Blog - TED talk: Wireless data from every light bulb 

O2 Telefónica Deutschland's Sustainable Phone Mast in Bavaria

It's amazing to see that the German operators are always sharing a lot of interesting trials and results. Last month O2 Telefónica announced that they have put Bavaria's first mobile phone base station into operation that operates completely independently of the general power supply. The press release said:

In Sindlbach, in the district of Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, photovoltaic modules and biomethanol fuel cells supply the newly erected mast with sustainable energy. O2 Telefónica is thus closing a white spot for its local customers. They can now surf and make calls using the modern 5G standard, 4G (LTE) and 2G (GSM). O2 Telefónica is working on closing the last white spots and driving forward the network expansion quickly and sustainably.

The new mobile phone mast in Sindlbach is located in the middle of agricultural and forestry land. A power line to operate the technology is lacking far and wide. The innovative solution: at the mobile phone tower in Sindlbach, the energy is generated directly on site and emission-free. The main source of energy is a photovoltaic system. The electricity is temporarily stored in large lithium-ion batteries and is therefore always available. A biomethanol fuel cell supplies the energy for days with little sunshine. This alone could supply energy for two months in continuous operation with just one charge. The system is controlled using state-of-the-art cloud technology and AI. This makes it possible to switch automatically between the two energy sources as required. The self-generated energy on site saves over 13,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year compared to a conventional installation.

In spring 2024, O2 Telefónica launched the first mobile communications site in Germany in Kirtorf, Hesse, that operates without a conventional power connection. In the video, Dag Hüdepohl, Senior Engineer Infrastructure, explains the goal O2 Telefónica is pursuing with this innovative concept.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: 'Connected Urban' - CU Phosco's 5G Smart Pole Streetlight Solution
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Telefónica Deutschland Activates Germany's First Open RAN Small Cells with Airspan Networks
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Open RAN (O-RAN) RRU (O-RU) and DU (O-DU) Design
• Operator Watch Blog: Telefonica Presents Strategy for Systems and Network Evolution
• Operator Watch Blog: Is Telefónica the Greenest Network Operator ?
• Operator Watch Blog: Big Data & Artificial Intelligence at Telefónica Deutschland 

Upcoming “Line 15 South” Metro Line of the Grand Paris Express gets 4G/5G Mobile Infrastructure

TOTEM is Orange’s European TowerCo subsidiary. Operating in France and Spain as of November 1, 2021, TOTEM manages over 27,300 tower sites, flat roofs and other sites in these two countries. A neutral player, TOTEM provides solutions enabling operators to provide connectivity wherever pooling between operators is possible.

TOTEM began installing the 1,000 pieces of 5G equipment that will connect the 16 stations and 33 km of the future “Line 15 South” of the new Parisian metro system. The teams at Société des grands projets, the developer of the Grand Paris Express, incorporated this major industrial project into the design of the future 100% connected metro line.

Deploying a 5G mobile network in the tunnels of a metro is a real technical challenge: it's an indoor space with a high density of people, movements, and very thick (and therefore wave-impermeable) walls. TOTEM is deploying this pooled 5G network for all operators, working within the technical constraints of the tunnels and meeting the specific mobile coverage needs of all operators. 

A growing need for indoor connectivity: With 80% of connectivity used indoors, TOTEM has positioned itself as the leading TowerCo in this market, connecting underground transport, stadiums, concert halls, and shopping malls.

The following video is from the press visit to the construction site of Line 15 of the Grand Paris Express at Noisy-le-Grand in April 2024:

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Bringing Connectivity to Underground Rail Network
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Helsinki Metro’s Cellular Network Pilot
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Seoul Metro Wi-Fi Backhauled by Samsung's 5G mmWave Network Solution
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: London Underground Mobile Network Infrastructure
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Deutsche Bahn to get Seamless Mobile Network Along all Tracks
• Connectivity Technology Blog: China Unicom Brings 5G Connectivity to Nanjing Metro
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Paris Metro is now 100% covered with LTE 

EDOTCO Deploys Mobile Infrastructure in Bangladesh

Established in 2012, EDOTCO Group is the first regional and integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company in Asia, providing end-to-end solutions in the tower services sector from tower leasing, colocations, build-to-suit, energy, transmission and operations and maintenance (O&M).

EDOTCO Group operates and manages a regional portfolio of over 58,000 towers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. EDOTCO strives to deliver outstanding performance in telecommunications infrastructure services and solutions. Its state-of-the-art real-time monitoring service, echo, has driven significant improvements in field operations while maximising operational efficiencies in terms of battery, energy and fuel consumption for telecommunications infrastructure.

In Bangladesh, with a portfolio of over 18,000 towers and managed sites, EDOTCO have developed their built-to-suit and co-location offerings to enable telecommunications providers to efficiently meet their growing infrastructure requirements.

In a LinkedIn post last year, Sunil Issac, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Bangladesh Co. Ltd talked about deploying telecom towers across Gazipur. Quoting from the post: 

Gazipur, the bustling hub of ready-made garment factories in Bangladesh, is witnessing remarkable growth. Readymade garment exports from Bangladesh have surged by 12.17% to $35.252 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2022-23, reflecting the industry's incredible potential (Data released by the Export Promotion Bureau) 

At EDOTCO Group we understand the crucial need for reliable network connectivity in this industrial zone. That's why we've strategically deployed a significant number of telecom towers throughout Gazipur. This unique tower in Gazipur showcases ingenious space utilization and steel craftsmanship, enabling it to accommodate three tenants. 

By leveraging this inhouse innovative approach, we maximize efficiency and minimize costs, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. We believe Gazipur's factories have the potential to be the pioneering use case for Private Networks in Bangladesh.

In another post an employee shared their recent aesthetic Street Furniture pole installed at Nabisco Morh, Dhaka, designed specifically for mobile operators. Such poles not only blend seamlessly into the cityscape but also provide robust support for enhanced mobile connectivity.

Here is a slightly old but relevant video of EDOTCO infrastructure from Bangladesh:

Related Posts: 

• Operator Watch Blog: Bangladesh 

Mobile Infrastructure from Hajj 2024 (1445 H)

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca/Makkah in Saudi Arabia is a fantastic example of how to handle huge amounts of people and data. With over 1.8 million pilgrims this year, many of whom go to the holy mosque every day (generally more than once) during the Hajj days, providing reliable connectivity and reasonable data rates is a huge challenge. 

The press release post Hajj, provided some more details on the number of sites and data usage:

CST Governor stated that the unlimited support from the leadership resulted in the recording of exceptional network performance levels across more than (6200) telecom towers, with 5G towers surpassing 4,000 towers, reflecting an impressive 37% increase compared to 2023, while the Wi-Fi points exceeded 10500 points in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madina Al-Munawarah and the Holy Sites.

الفرق الميدانية بـ #هيئة_الاتصالات_والفضاء_والتقنية تتابع جاهزية البنية التحتية لقطاع الاتصالات والتقنية خلال موسم #حج1445 #يسر_وطمأنينة#CST field teams are checking the readiness of the ICT infrastructure during #HajjSeason2024 pic.twitter.com/KapzfTPqVh

— هيئة الاتصالات والفضاء والتقنية (@CST_KSA) June 12, 2024

H.E. the Governor also added that the total data consumption reached 65.47 thousand TB, equivalent to watching 26.82millionhours of 1080p HD video clips, with internet download speeds exceeded 341.6 Mbit/s, while the voice calls total exceeded 337 million calls with a success increase of 99%, as a result of the developed network infrastructure and the availability of WiFi networks. 

Here are some high resolutions pictures that show how much infrastructure is needed. Most of these sites in the Haram provided coverage for something like 100 metres as there were other similar sites nearby, some shared for all operators while others were specific to one operator.

Related Posts: 

• Operator Watch Blog: stc Saudi Arabia's Robotic Hajj 2021
• Operator Watch Blog: Is Saudi Arabia Winning the 5G Race?
• Operator Watch Blog: Statistics from Hajj 2019 (1440 H) 

Ecotelligent's Wooden Masts

Ecotelligent is on a mission to enable telecommunication in a more human environment by applying the science of wood construction into building of communication towers and masts. This allows them to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions of building the towers and make the landscape more pleasant for people.

May we present our new product line of #ecofriendly #telco #masts and #poles for every use cases you may have. More information will come available soon. Stay tuned and follow-up @Ecotelligent_Oy.#Ecopol #Castellum #Barbican #Indoor#GreenNetworks #GreenICT #GreenFuture pic.twitter.com/4NXJooSdiM

— EcoTelligent Oy (@Ecotelligent_Oy) December 31, 2020

Last year, Vantage Towers announced that it has installed the first wooden structured telecommunication mast in cooperation with the Finnish start-up Ecotelligent: 

The Ecopol tower was erected as one of two wooden masts in Rhineland-Palatinate as part of a pilot project, as announced by Vantage Towers in October 2022. The installation of the second Ecopol tower is expected to take place in Leiwen, Germany, in the third quarter of 2023; further locations in Germany are being considered. With the construction of wooden structured telecommunication infrastructure, Vantage Towers, together with Ecotelligent, is marking the beginning of a more sustainable mobile communications industry and digitalisation. According to the manufacturer, the Ecopol towers, which are built from recyclable wood, have a significantly lower carbon footprint than comparable masts made of steel or concrete. In addition, they have an attractive, modern design and blend in better with their surroundings - which increases the acceptance of telecommunication infrastructure among the population. 

We’re proud to announce our partnership with @Ecotelligent_Oy to build two wooden structured #telecommunication towers in Germany!

Find out how these towers will produce up to 50% less CO2 emissions than their steel or concrete alternatives!

Learn more: https://t.co/UwHQV2hXS1 pic.twitter.com/qanFHAClwz

— Vantage Towers (@VantageTowers) October 26, 2022

The use of sustainable materials for Vantage Towers' infrastructure is another component of the company’s sustainability strategy, complementing efforts to make its own infrastructure more energy efficient and reduce resource consumption. For example, the company already reached its first major green milestone in 2021: since then, all the electricity Vantage Towers uses to operate its infrastructure has been procured from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or hydro power. In addition, pilots are underway to produce renewable energy directly at the sites with wind turbines and solar panels, and to replace diesel generators with hydrogen engines.  

You can see some more details of wooden telecommunication masts in the video below:

Glad to see that other countries are also considering deploying these environmentally friendly masts in the near future.

Vodafone UK Takes COWs to the Fields

Like every operator, Vodafone UK has a variety of Cell On Wheels (COWs) that they take to special events where there may be a need for extra coverage and/or capacity. While we have a good number of posts looking at COWs (see related posts 👇), here is their short video explaining it:

Quoting from their news article earlier this year: 

Some of the UK’s best known and largest events, from music festivals and agricultural shows to leading events in the sporting calendar, will see the masts. Known as ‘Cells on Wheels’ (COWs), they will be wheeled onto site to deliver an outstanding network experience and to cope with the extra demand expected on the network.

With over 120 deployments planned, Vodafone’s fleet of COWs will be kept very busy throughout the year. Some events will receive more than one unit, depending on terrain, the size of the event area and estimated number of attendees.

The season started at Cheltenham Race Festival in March. Compared to last year, overall data usage at Cheltenham increased by nearly 10%, with 35% of all data carried over 5G.

In September 2023, Vodafone revealed that 5G data usage at special events was rapidly increasing, with customers using 80% more 5G data in 2023 compared to 2022. One of the busiest was Glastonbury 2023 where Vodafone deployed nine COWs. Over 168 terabytes of data was consumed across the event. Elsewhere, the King’s Coronation saw COWs being placed around Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Data usage increased by around 90% compared to a typical Saturday in the capital.

A slightly more detailed video is ☝️ here while this detailed article from last year talks about the process:

Vodafone’s planning for any given event starts long before the organisers open their doors to the public; up to a year in advance for some city-sized. Surveying the site in question, requesting access from landowners and working out how to get lorry loads of equipment up narrow country roads – these are are serious logistical issues that can’t be left to chance.

Mobile signal at an event will be provided by one or more ‘cells on wheels’, or COWs. A COW is effectively a mobile mast – and its associated equipment – mounted on a trailer manned by a crew of three or four engineers. Setting up a COW can not only require a hoist, crane and/or cherry picker, but also the usual data links, power and a suitable location. This trifecta is tricky enough to secure under everyday circumstances in the UK’s villages, towns and cities – never mind the stadia, fields, valleys, shorelines and other unusual venues that host festivals and other such special events.

For festivals and shows that take place in remote rural locations, short-range microwave radios may be needed. These link the COW to the rest of Vodafone’s network as the usual fibre optic or copper cables often aren’t available or can’t be laid.

But such radio links need to be within line-of-sight of the next mast along to work, so locations need to be reasonably clear of obstructions such as trees and hills – obstructions that can also block the mobile signal from the mast once it’s operational.

While Vodafone may have the pick of locations at events that it has partnered with, that’s not always the case, with space at any given event in high demand for stages, retailers and of course the room needed for audiences and tents.

Powering the COW takes more than running a mere extension lead. If grid power isn’t available, then diesel generators are used. The generators then need to be carefully tended and guarded to ensure they continue working properly and aren’t ‘borrowed’ by either desperate or opportunistic third parties.

Getting a COW up-and-running in a surveyed location can take at least a day, often two to three days. But the work doesn’t stop once it’s powered on. Engineers carefully monitor and adjust the COW’s antennas and other equipment to ensure that it delivers the speeds and capacity that the public expect.

Frederic Sundin, Vodafone’s Head of Network Connectivity and Deployment explains: “You have stages in the way, depending on where the special event is, or it can be hilly, it can be trees. That can block the signal. And you need to predict where the crowds will be, because they move around.”

Vodafone’s engineers can draw upon analyses of traffic patterns in previous years when providing coverage at events that the company has been to before. But for new events or those that have relocated to new venues, responding quickly to unexpected events can be crucial.

For example, if there is a massive shift of people up a hill because they’re all watching and snapping/livestreaming the sunset, then engineers must be able to spot this and then actively optimise the network for such a sudden concentration of people in a small space.

The demands expectations of the public lie at the heart of why Vodafone provides mobile coverage at special events. “Festivals, summer events – the UK audience just love it. They flock to them. And, rightly so, they demand good coverage, a good experience,” Andrea, Vodafone’s Chief Network Officer in the UK said.

There is, of course, the other crowd at any given event – the organisers and the retailers. From ticketing to contactless payments, a variety of business processes now rely on mobile connectivity, not to mention first responders from the emergency services and event security.

If you spot a COW in a field near you, snap a picture and send it to us.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: NTT Docomo's Cell On Wheels (COW)
• 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: T-Mobile USA's Disaster Response Satellite Vehicles, Drones and COWs
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Evolution of AT&T’s Flying COW (Cell on Wings)
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK Switches-on First Live 'Self-Powering' Mobile Phone Mast
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone Explains Mobile Phone Mast
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: THOR - Verizon's Disaster Response COW
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK's 5G Infrastructure
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK improving coverage with Phone Boxes, Mini-masts & Manhole Covers
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Temporary masts for festivals, events, etc. 

KDDI's Power Backup Solutions

Over the last few years you might have read multiple blog posts on our blogs (see related posts below) about how KDDI is preparing for disasters by having all kinds of backup solutions. In the last six months they have taken this even further by taking about their bendable solar cells and lighter backup batteries.

In some situations the base stations have to be installed at locations where it is not possible to deploy solar cells for power. In these locations, KDDI is working with partners to use next generation "perovskite" solar cells which are thin, light and flexible so it can be wrapped around the poles and generate a reasonable power all day long. 

Here is a video (no subtitles, but none needed):

You can learn more about this here.

Another innovation being tested by KDDI is the use of zinc secondary batteries to strengthen power outage countermeasures during disasters. While backup power supply equipment is effective as a countermeasure against long-term power outages during disasters, the problem is that it cannot be installed or expanded due to the load capacity of the building. 

Quoting from the Google translated article:

Zinc secondary batteries are approximately 50% lighter than the lead-acid batteries used in many base stations, allowing for more space to be installed, while having twice the capacity for the same size, extending base station operating time. This can be extended up to 72 hours. 

At base stations, there is an urgent need to install or expand large-capacity backup power supply equipment as a countermeasure against long-term power outages such as during disasters. Zinc secondary batteries are lightweight, allowing more space for installation, and are the same size as lead-acid batteries, allowing base stations to operate for long periods of time, so they are expected to contribute to maintaining communications during disasters. In addition, since it does not contain harmful lead and there is no risk of heat generation, installation work can be simplified, and it is expected to contribute to the acceleration of the expansion of 5G areas.

In this demonstration, we plan to operate a base station that uses zinc secondary batteries as backup power supply equipment in a real environment for one year, confirming its operation through seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, and conducting power outage tests.

Looking forward to hearing about the results of both these initiatives.

Related Posts: 

• Connectivity Technology Blog: KDDI Prepares for Disasters with Vehicle-Mounted Base Stations Backhauled via Starlink
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: KDDI's Underground 5G Base Stations
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: KDDI Plans to Improve Rural Connectivity in Japan using SpaceX's Starlink
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: KDDI to test 5G with base stations built in Street Lights
• Free 6G Training: KDDI's Seven B5G/6G Technologies Contributing to Society 5.0 Implementation
• Operator Watch Blog: KDDI Launched their Metaverse and Web3 Service called αU (Alpha–U)
• Operator Watch Blog: KDDI Japan's IoT march continues with over 10 Million Connections