Project NAVIGATE aims to design, deploy, test and validate a blueprint for deploying open, shareable, public mobile 5G capacity in High Density Deployment (HDD) environments at scale, with Open RAN.
Total project funding amount: £3,322,223
Project date(s): -
Category: Government Funded
Location(s): City of London, Midlands and Wales
Status: Open
Partners
- NEC EUROPE LTD
- Freshwave Services Limited
Project Summary
Project NAVIGATE aims to design, deploy, test, and validate a blueprint for deploying open, shareable, public mobile 5G capacity in High Density Deployment (HDD) environments at scale, with Open RAN (Radio Access Network); the project seeks to validate that the chosen blueprint is technically and operationally viable, demonstrably more cost-effective and energy efficient compared to legacy Single Operator RAN Macrocell approaches. NEC Europe Ltd. is a lead partner to provide Open RAN solution while Freshwave Services Ltd. is the neutral host partner in this project.
The project aims to provide a small cell solution in the high traffic area in the City of London and support the multi-operator neutral host network to ease the deployment of Open RAN. This network would be able to be connected to all mobile networks operator’s core networks if they wish to join.
NAVIGATE will be differentiated from competing s olutions, in several ways. It will improve openness as outlined in the UK government’s Open RAN Principles. It will be a catalyst to lower the barriers to entry for new Open RAN vendors. Finally, it is based on NHOD (Neutral Host OutDoor) specifications and will empower MNOs to offer wireless services without the requirement of deploying and managing separate infrastructure.
Gary Collins GM, Head of Sales NEC UK said:
NEC is delighted to have been selected by DSIT to provide a Neutral Host, Open Ran, High Density Demand Outdoor Solution. By partnering with a leading Neutral Host provider, Freshwave, our intention is to create a reference architecture that will support diversification of the telecom supply chain, whilst accelerating market developments to provide a cost effective and energy efficient solution, based on Open Standards.
Our solution will be based on NHOD (Neutral Host Outdoor) specifications and will enable Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s), to offer new wireless services, and to improve coverage and capacity, without having to deploy and manage separate infrastructure.
Organisations participating in this project
NEC EUROPE LTD
NEC is a leading global manufacturer and service provider of telecommunication, computer and electronic devices, NEC has devoted more than 100 years of technological innovation...
