EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator is partnering with Lime Micro and Ubuntu founders Canonical to deploy open source software-defined networking(SDN) technology in support of developing network capabilities and services and addressing rural coverage gaps.
The solution is built on Surrey-based Lime’s ‘network in a box’ solution, which developers can configure by software to provide any wireless service, including 4G and WiFi. The configuration software, available through the Snappy Ubuntu Core stores, will allow developers to create new applications and services for a mobile network.
The Lime Micro programmable network in a box, LimeSDR, will be available initially through a crowd funding campaign launching later this month and will allow developers to pre-order the LimeSDR boards at a low cost. The solution is a low cost, app-enabled software defined radio (SDR) base station that can be programmed to support any type of wireless standard – putting significant power at the disposal of anyone who wants to innovate in the world of wireless.
EE will deploy the innovative solutions created by this partnership as part of its work with the Telecom Infrastructure Project, with the first project committed to connect an area of the Scottish Highlands and Islands in 2016. To bring together the best innovators in the UK and create a bespoke solution for the area, EE and Lime are providing the programmable development kit to the University of Highlands and Islands.
Mansoor Hanif, Director of Radio Networks at EE
Apps and smartphones revolutionised the mobile experience and this could have the same impact on the network – we’re allowing anyone to build an app that can introduce a new service or a new capability to a mobile network.
Ebrahim Bushehri, CEO of Lime Micro
We are delighted to be working with EE to bring our Radio Access Network solution to remote areas of the UK, and to start on a journey that will change how mobile networks are built, and who drives the innovation in this industry.
