Infrastructure in Places

A mobile phone mast is a supportive structure that holds in place mobile radio equipment used to broadcast mobile signals. Mobile phone masts send and receive signals to and from mobile phones and other connected devices to enable calls, texts and access to the internet. Masts are fitted with radio receivers and transmitters which maximise a network signal within a local area. When the phone signal becomes weaker from one mast and the user moves away, the network automatically transfers the device to the next one, ensuring a good signal is maintained. Mobile UK has a helpful guide outlining the different types of masts, their component parts and how they are installed.

Neutral Host describes a mobile network infrastructure owned and maintained by a third party who then leases or rents its infrastructure to multiple network operators, all of whom have equal opportunity to share and use. In this model, the network components can utilise local authority owned infrastructure such as street furniture. This is expected to be more common in 5G where a greater density of small cells is required: indeed Ireland is proposing a neutral host model to be deployed across the country. Importantly, this shared access model can enable mobile network operators to deliver coverage in areas not traditionally commercially viable for them, such as rural or economically challenged urban areas. Offering new routes to secure connectivity for regions and places. 

A number of opportunities and business models are available. In Dorset, significant work has been done to explore the potential of neutral host solutions to deliver connectivity to remote areas. Through their work with Sunderland, Perform Green has developed an essential guide to Neutral Hosts for local authorities.

Traditional infrastructure operators, such as the mobile network operators, are not the only option for deploying digital infrastructure. Local wireless internet service providers (WISPs) may be able to offer greater flexibility in meeting the specific needs of a place, such as long-range backhaul, and can often deliver services in areas that may struggle for connectivity otherwise.  UKWISPA can help to connect you to your nearest 5G fixed WISP. 

While in Dorset, 5G RuralDorset demonstrated satellite backhaul from a standalone 5G network.  The sites connected benefit from both satellite and terrestrial connectivity, meaning that when one becomes unavailable, the other steps in to provide a resilient and robust connection. 

Securing inward investment for places that are rural can be especially challenging given the considerable expense and tight margins involved in operating a mobile network. This was directly explored by the 5G RuralDorset project, the Essex & Herts District Innovation Zone and the Tay Cities Partnership. 

The 5G New Thinking project developed a toolkit, specifically designed for wholly rural or remote communities, to enable them to seize control of their connectivity. A core element of this is exploring new commercial models that quantify the value - and not just the revenue - that comes from connecting a place, such as economic impact and reduced carbon footprint. It also identifies mechanisms to work with local wireless internet service providers and social investors - who typically work to a much longer term payback period and may be more open to investing in rural networks. The work of the project is ongoing but their toolkit will be published in Spring 2022.

The Government’s Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator programme funded a number of pilots to support the implementation of digital asset management solutions. These successfully demonstrated how such platforms enable local councils to more easily share data with industry to accelerate roll out plans and deliver the revolutionary benefits of advanced connectivity to people and businesses.

Key findings include: consider digital twins and simulation modelling to save time and cost when mapping assets; record if a site meets relevant regulatory requirements, is suitable for telecoms use, and if there are any factors that would impact deployment of telecoms infrastructure; include privately owned partner assets, contextual data (such as power supplies) and any pre-existing live connectivity. Standard asset attribute definitions, developed by Connected Places Catapult for the programme, can be used to further streamline the process.

Local authorities need to consider how best they can classify their assets. WM5G recommends the Office of Government Property’s functional standard methods for classification and used this to create their Connected Map which captures all local authority assets suitable for digital infrastructure across the region. They also suggest knowledge sharing between peers to create a common understanding of the key data requirements from the private sector. 

In Oxfordshire a map of all public sector assets was created which significantly, also plotted out live broadband connectivity information as well as mobile and alternative network coverage.  Glasgow similarly mapped all Glasgow City Council owned assets and have made that easily accessible to industry via their Glasgow City Council Asset Catalogue, ensuring it’s as seamless as possible for instastructure builders and operators to work with them.

The creation of digital modelling and simulations can be useful in 5G network planning. CGA Simulation designed a ‘digital twin’ simulation of Kensington in Liverpool which used 3D mapping and algorithms to automate planning and node placement in the Liverpool Health & Social Care project, helping save both time and money. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have taken a similar approach working with Ordnance Survey and University Of Surrey. A 3D model was built of all the assets available in Bournemouth, enabling the council to model the optimum roll out of 5G small cells. Ordnance Survey have also produced a geospatial considerations paper for planners and local authorities. 

In North Yorkshire, the council has worked with WISDM, whose software enables detailed planning to determine the exact number of households that could be connected from individual infrastructure.  The software can be used to both identify the optimum infrastructure to deploy on, and the precise location and angle of radios and antenna to deliver maximum coverage. 

Commercial agreements may be needed for asset leasing, which could be unlike those you’ve previously created. The Government guidance on access agreements can prove useful here. Glasgow City Council has developed standard rental agreements for everything from small to macro cell access as well as establishing a standardised fee structure. With the aim of minimising the negotiation period. They can also be easily adapted and applied to other places; WM5G made use of their small cell agreement for example.  

This information is published and easily accessible online, making it very easy for industry. The Scotland Infralink programme and Connected London initiative also encourage standardisation: the Infralink toolkit comprises standard documents for leases, wayleaves and Master Agreements as well as payment guidance support materials. Similarly Connected London provides templates for drafting legal agreements.  The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator also developed standard contracts.