By installing compact Open RAN small cells on street furniture, the trial achieved notable results: 4G and 5G speeds doubled during peak times, with 5G reaching up to 520 Mbps. This enhancement also alleviated congestion on nearby network sites by boosting overall capacity. Unlike previous Open RAN trials conducted in rural areas, this urban deployment addressed unique challenges, including integration with multi-vendor and multi-technology systems.
Iain Milligan, Chief Network Officer at Three UK, commented: “This is the UK’s first Open RAN trial to tackle the real-world complexity of a dense urban environment. Urban deployments bring a different level of technical and operational challenge compared to rural environments. We’ve had to navigate integration with legacy systems, security layers, and evolving software – all while delivering measurable improvements for customers. The trial results are encouraging and provide a strong foundation for further scaling and optimisation of Open RAN in cities.”
Following the success of 18 live sites in Glasgow, the project will advance to its final phase, expanding to 34 Open RAN small cell sites across the city centre. This trial builds on earlier rural tests, demonstrating Open RAN’s potential to enhance network performance in demanding urban settings. The results pave the way for broader adoption of the technology, supporting improved connectivity and capacity in cities across the UK.
The SCONDA project underscores a commitment to innovation in telecommunications, aiming to deliver reliable, high-speed mobile services while optimizing network infrastructure for future growth.
