Fixed Wireless Access provider, Luminet has partnered with CCS to roll out a small cell backhaul and enterprise network across London. CCS (Cambridge Communication Systems) which was founded in 2010 aims to provide a unique self-organising small cell microwave to create a backhaul system for small cells called Metnet.
The proliferation of smartphones and increase in mobile data demands in the city is putting a huge strain on mobile operator networks, according to Luminet. Previously mobile operators have tried to address demand with the addition of new base-stations, but installations are complicated by the planning permissions, costs and space required. Small cells give mobile operators the opportunity to get access to coverage and capacity in places that their legacy networks struggle to reach or have capacity constraints, whilst also providing an ecosystem that gives mobile operators a clear path for their future planning and migration to 5G.
Although small cells are recognised as the ideal solution for operators to cope with the increase in mobile data, deployment is often hindered by site acquisition and associated planning approvals. This is being addressed through the partnership with Luminet, which already has 1900+ sites in London via its fixed wireless access infrastructure. Luminet also has two clean 112MHz frequency channels in perpetuity at 28GHz for the M25 region, to be used by the CCS Metnet system.
In addition, Luminet has integrated its 3D mapping and site database into the CCS Metnet planning tool, which will simplify the design and planning stage of each London small cell deployment. The 3D map data provided by Luminet will identify demand hotspots in the capital for on-net delivery and is highly accurate, with a resolution of less than one metre, allowing for reliable one-by-one or mass predictions without the need for physical site surveys.
Steve Greaves, CEO, CCS
The combination of Luminet’s sites and spectrum assets with our self-organising wireless backhaul is a catalyst for improving mobile services across London. Our flexible mesh architecture enables us to automatically adjust the backhaul topology and assign capacity to wherever mobile operators decide to roll out small cells using Luminet sites.
Sasha Williamson, CEO, Luminet
Our partnership with CCS will see one of the first self organising networks in a Tier One global city, and by adopting a neutral host strategy we are enabling how mobile operators can scale with the ongoing increase in mobile data demand in urban areas.
