As the Future Network Programmes conclude, UKTIN is working with DSIT to reflect on the government-funded projects, outlining the key outcomes and the lessons learned to help improve future telecoms initiatives.
Hardware forms the building blocks of a telecoms network, and advancements are focused on, among other things, improving sustainability and reducing costs. Incorporating the right features is critical for facilitating reliable connectivity across the UK while ensuring the country’s networks remain secure.
YO-RAN
The YO-RAN project is developing Open RAN technology for neutral host operators. A key feature of neutral host networking at the radio layer is supporting more than one frequency band using low-cost, low-power and low-complexity radios. In YO-RAN, the University of Sheffield has developed a dual-band radio unit based on a novel single radio frequency fabric, significantly saving costs and power. The dual-band radio unit was demonstrated at FYUZ 2024 and MWC 2025.
Other hardware innovations developed on YO-RAN include dual-band tunable filters by Radio Design and the Astro SDR by Slipstream Engineering Design. The University of York has developed a novel cell-free massive MIMO demonstrator. YO-RAN benefits from a cluster of high-tech companies in Yorkshire (Adtran, Radio Design and Slipstream) working on cutting-edge radio access technologies.
Prof Timothy O'Farrell from the project commented: "Our dual-band radio technology has the potential to impact the O-RAN supply chain by enabling vendors to realise efficient radio units that cost less and consume less power, helping the UK meet its sustainability targets.”
5G SwaP+C
The 5G SwaP+C project aims to revolutionise wireless communication technology by developing high-frequency and energy-efficient ultra-wide band gap power amplifiers for massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. These systems are essential for the growth and capacity of the UK's mobile telecommunications network.
The project comprises the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Space Forge and BT, whose key focus is to improve the thermal efficiency of 5G by using UK-sourced diamond heat spreaders for base station amplifiers. Once proven, 5G’s stability will be enhanced.
Fraser Burton, Physics Research for Transformational Telecoms at BT, said: “As we progress the technically challenging endeavour to build diamond heat spreaders in space, we will make a unique UK sovereign efficient solution for our 5G network.”
PerceptRAN
PerceptRAN aims to identify and address the primary challenges associated with Open RAN platform automation and security. The project is taking decisive steps towards a future where Open RAN systems deliver unparalleled services to all stakeholders, embodying the true spirit of open networks.
The team has demonstrated dynamic service models in ORAN by integrating its Janus Observability framework with the E2 service interface of O-RAN nRT-RIC. This enables advanced applications – such as Localisation and Spotlight – to detect anomalies in O-RAN. The project has also developed a Large-Scale RAN emulator to abstract real-time APIs and plans to set up a campus-wide 5G ORAN Testbed at the University of Edinburgh.
Ankit Verma, a Software Engineer at Microsoft, said: “We are continuing our work on a distributed AI architecture for RAN and refining our prototype to optimise distributed AI pipeline orchestration across edge and cloud.”
DONE
The Dorset Open Network Ecosystem (DONE) aims to further define the blueprint for rural connectivity by advancing the development of open-source Radio Access Networks (RANs) and examining technology alternatives to standard network equipment. This could help to make the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure in rural and hard-to-reach areas cheaper, faster and more environmentally friendly.
In collaboration with Keysight, the project has developed a carrier-representative digital twin of an O-RAN network. The digital twin helps innovators develop, prototype and test their ideas against an emulated representation of a live O-RAN network environment within a lab-to-live test setup. This initiative helps unlock the potential for new entrants to create software and applications for the RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), accelerating the transition from lab-to-live deployments and enhancing deployment readiness. Early testing with the digital twin has shown some glaring inconsistencies in O-RAN standards in development and application, proving the usefulness in testing ORAN 'compatible' elements and developing x/apps and r/apps.
James Pryce, the project lead, said: “We have also been researching the use of ARM RISC-based architecture in RANs as opposed to the traditional X86 CISC-based models. Our results show that in the lab using rural mobile network elements and loading, the ARM setup uses approximately 75% less energy than its X86 equivalent.”
