29 Sep 2017

Aberdeen: WIG and O2 deploy fibre-connected small cell network with C-RAN support

The Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) and O2 have partnered to launch what they claim is the UK’s first fibre-connected small cell network, supporting cloud radio access network (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.

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.

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 faster speeds, lower latency and better coordination between cells than traditional network methods.

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.