UK 5G Spectrum Results Summary

It's been couple of months since Ofcom announced 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz 5G spectrum auctions results here. Part of C-band spectrum was auctioned back in 2018 and the results from Ofcom for the award of 2.3 and 3.4 GHz spectrum auctions is available here.

Results of Ofcom spectrum auction released today: pre-trade C-Band layout unpalatable but Vodafone and O2 already agreed a swap to enable 80MHz contiguous for O2 with Vodafone's two blocks being relatively close. Expect further trades in time... https://t.co/rkBpq51dxp pic.twitter.com/HlVhmOR4Tp

— Peter Clarke (@PedroClarke1) April 27, 2021

TMN detailed the spectrum trade between O2 and Vodafone that resulted in Vodafone exchanging their new C-band spectrum with the old one from O2. This allowed O2 to gain 80 MHz of contiguous spectrum but it has its own challenges as highlighted in the Tweet.

O2 UK trading C-Band to gain 80MHz contiguous at 3720-3800MHz will not be without challenge for their deployment team; much of the existing 5G deployment is not capable of running at such frequencies. https://t.co/eWqU7Ln3ny pic.twitter.com/WYOrT1730r

— Peter Clarke (@PedroClarke1) April 27, 2021

It took EE 2 minutes after the results were announced to switch on their 700 MHz site.

and using Nokia's fantastic platform. To give the details we got the license at 07:14 and we were live at 07:16 epic job in our Service Platforms team and our fantastic partner @nokia

— Neil J. McRae (@neilmcrae) April 27, 2021

More spectrum trades can be expected as TMN reports as it would make sense for the remaining three operators (except Telefonica O2) to obtain contiguous spectrum.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Three UK's Gigabit 5G Poles Explained
• The 3G4G Blog - Radio Design Webinar: Optimising Your 700 MHz Deployments
• Operator Watch Blog: O2 UK Enabling a 5G Future
• Operator Watch Blog: Vodafone Accelerates Open RAN Innovation, Evangelizes Benefits to Other Operators
• Operator Watch Blog: BT UK's Journey to Automation
• Operator Watch Blog: 2019 UK Mobile Network Developments Roundup
• Operator Watch Blog: BT's Converged Core to Launch in 2023
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Temporary masts for festivals, events, etc.
• The 3G4G Blog: Mobile Network Cell Tower Site Construction
• Operator Watch Blog: Average Three UK customer will use 56 GB per month by 2025 

2019 UK Mobile Network Developments Roundup

In a presentation/report last year, iDate Digiworld labelled UK as a leader of 5G. So it was good to see a nice roundup from UK, courtesy of Peter Clarke & Jake Mcneill

Do you agree that 'The UK is Europe's 5G Network leader' ? pic.twitter.com/eR67BX1QgX

— 3G4G (@3g4gUK) December 12, 2019

The video is embedded below and you can find a lot of information on Peter's website here.




Related Posts:

• Operator Watch Blog: BT's Converged Core to Launch in 2023
• Operator Watch Blog: O2 UK Getting 5G Ready...
• Operator Watch Blog: Three UK - Bringing A True 5G Experience
• Operator Watch Blog: UK MNO Mobile Spectrum Holdings
• 3G4G Small Cells Blog: Vodafone UK improving coverage with Phone Boxes, Mini-masts & Manhole Covers
• Operator Watch Blog: EE - 5G is going to change everything all over again
• Operator Watch Blog: Vodafone UK Launches 5G, Plans Disruption With Unlimited Data Plans

Three UK: Bringing A True 5G Experience

UK operator Three intends to launch 5G this August. They claim their 5G network will be the fastest in the UK, however it will at first only be available in London as a home broadband service. Three say their 5G home broadband customers will be able to plug a hub into the wall to immediately become connected, without lengthy engineer wait times or a long-term contract.

This "plug and play" 5G service is set to offer comparable speeds to fibre broadband, according to Three. The operator then plan to roll out both mobile and home broadband offerings in 25 towns and cities across the UK "before the end of the year".

#5G is coming.

Do one, buffering. pic.twitter.com/HedKmYAt9a

— Three UK (@ThreeUK) November 21, 2018

It was back in November 2018, that Three UK announced its partnership with Huawei on a 5G broadband demo in London, with the service attaining download speeds of up to 2 Gbps. The demonstration utilized its 100 MHz C-Band spectrum and Huawei’s commercial 5G home broadband routers, with the partners reporting that speeds will average around 1 Gbps for each user. Three UK and Huawei had been working on pre-commercial tests in 2018, and said they will continue testing the service ahead of the public launch in dense urban areas and train stations in 2019.

Three UK previously owned less 3G and 4G spectrum than their rivals, but recognised that they may be better positioned to compete in future 5G services and so bought fixed wireless ISP UK Broadband Ltd. for £250m back in 2017 and  recently spent £164m to grab a small 20MHz slice of the 3.4GHz band in Ofcom’s auction.

As a result Three UK now has a total of about 144MHz (frequency) across several 5G friendly mobile bands and one of those includes a 100MHz block of contiguous spectrum in the 3.4-3.6GHz band, which is ideal for the new service (at present Vodafone only has 50MHz of 5G spectrum, while EE and O2 both hold 40Mhz).

Therefore Three UK are promising that their 5G service will be “at least 2x faster” than their rivals, although much of this depends upon whether they can keep up with the capacity requirements in order to fuel that. Rival operator EE, which has just gone live with their own 5G network (here), told consumers to expect speeds of around 100-150Mbps “even in the busiest areas” (i.e. we will expect 200-300Mbps from Three).

Source

No doubt 5G technology is designed to cope with peak download speeds of 20Gbps but, just like with 4G and 3G before that, it often takes several years before networks are ready to handle such speeds. Ofcom will also be releasing a lot more spectrum in 2020 (i.e. the 700MHz and 3.6 – 3.8GHz bands), which is needed to support faster services and better coverage. As well as spectrum,Three have also been investing in high-capacity smart antennas, in order meet the anticipated future demand for data.

Source

Three’s mobile customers (10 million strong over a network that covers over 99% of the UK population), are known to be particularly data-hungry and consume 3.5x more data per month than the industry average, because of their focus on “unlimited” style data and mobile broadband plans. Indeed the company also offers a 4G Home Broadband package with unlimited data from just £22 per month (HomeFi) and they have a dedicated wireless ISP brand called Three Broadband (formerly Relish).

According to Dave Dyson, chief executive of Three:

"It's clear that consumers and businesses want more and more data. We have the UK's best network for data and we have led the market on customer usage on both 3G and 4G technologies.We have worked hard over a long period of time to be able to offer the best end-to-end 5G experience. 5G is a game changer for Three, and of course I am excited that we will be the only operator in the UK who can offer true 5G."

Dave Dyson further elaborated: 

“I’m really excited that 5G will bring a huge amount of capacity into the network, which is great for our mobile customers, but it also opens up different opportunities within the home broadband market, so I’d say that’s the most immediate opportunity. Obviously, there’s lots of talk about massive IoT and some of the more sci-fi type applications, remote robotics, and things like that. That will come. And I think things like network slicing are particularly interesting and potentially quite disruptive, which is good for 5G operators. This is a major investment into the UK’s digital infrastructure. UK consumers have an insatiable appetite for data and 5G unlocks significant capability to meet that demand.”

The focus on unlimited data and better speeds suggests that Three’s new 5G upgrade should be particularly attractive to consumers, possibly even enough to the point of stealing away some market share from fixed line broadband networks. Indeed Ovum once predicted that consumers will gobble 13 times more mobile data in 2025 than today, largely due to the advent of 5G. Ovum estimates that 5G wireless could replace traditional connections for 85 per cent of the UK’s 26 million fixed-line customers, with equal or better speeds. It is 
much quicker to deploy than fibre and almost 50 per cent cheaper, the research found.

“The low availability and high deployment costs of fibre make 5G wireless a viable alternative to fixedline broadband, satisfying customers’ fast-growing demand for data.”

says Dario Talmesio, principal analyst and practice leader at Ovum.

Over the next three years, Three's 5G rollout will continue to ramp up to cover 80% of its network traffic. The network investment programme also includes upgrades within Three’s 4G network, expected to deliver up to 400% improvements in speed and capacity.

Misconception of what a mobile network can do claims David Dyson, CEO @ThreeUK. Its strong spectrum position will allow it to be the only UK mobile network operator to offer true #5G #ConnectedBritain pic.twitter.com/wBkwbUjueF

— Paolo Pescatore (@paolopescatore) June 19, 2019

The company boasts that it is the only operator that can offer a "true" 5G experience, as set out by the global standards body on 5G technology (which requires 100MHz of 5G spectrum, as set out by the ITU). They recently gave us a tester: the world’s first 5G mixed reality catwalk at London Fashion Week: 




Related Posts:

• UK MNO Mobile Spectrum Holdings
• Average Three UK customer will use 56 GB per month by 2025
• The Global Reach of Hutchison / '3' Group Mobile Telecom Companies

UK MNO Mobile Spectrum Holdings

Picture Source: Keith Dyer

In a recent consultation document on 'Award of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum bands' that the UK regulator Ofcom has published (link), there is a nice summary picture (pg. 62 or pg. no. 60) of all the current spectrum holding by the big 4 MNOs.

Looking at this, one can conclude that all the UK operators have spectrum to launch basic 5G services whenever they are ready.

5G plans by UK Operators - Nov 2018

Vodafone: 1000 live 5G sites by 2020

• Back in June, Vodafone announced 7 cities will be part of 5G trials starting in July.
• In October, Vodafone announced that they have became the first company in the UK to carry full 5G over a commercial network. Live mobile data traffic was being streamed to and from the Internet exclusively over 5G from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester, connected to Vodafone’s nationwide converged fibre network.
• Vodafone further said as a part of the same announcement that their network engineers were already achieving high-speed Internet connectivity and low latency from the Salford site using Active Antenna (Massive MIMO) technology. This effectively provides multiple-data ‘channels’ from a single antenna, coupled with the 3.4GHz 5G spectrum. Vodafone secured the largest block of this 5G spectrum at this year’s auction.
• In September, Vodafone made UK’s first holographic call using 5G.
• Vodafone is planning commercial network and 1,000 5G sites by 2020

The video of the first live holographic call is below:

EE/BT: 1,500 sites, 16 cities with 5G in 2019

• EE, part of BT Group, has nine live 5G trial sites across East London.
• Some of the learning as part of this announcement included the fact that rooftop sites often need significant strengthening to carry the new 50 kg 5G antennas – and some sites house three of these (3 sectors)
• EE launching 5G within 16 UK cities in 2019, roughly 1,500 sites
• EE is upgrading transmission to 10Gbps links at each 5G site
• 5G Smartphones to be introduced alongside 5G Home router for 5G broadband
• EE also building next generation 5G core network, with virtualised network functions on a cloud native infrastructure
• BT Sport showcased first live trial of remote production broadcast live over EE’s 5G network

‘3’ UK Committed to Invest Over £2bn into 5G

• According to Three press release: It’s committed spend to date covers the acquisition of the UK’s leading 5G spectrum position, new 5G radio equipment and cell site upgrades, high-capacity dark fibre network, the world’s first end-to-end cloud-based core network, and new digital systems that will enhance user experience
• The first commercial quantities of 5G smartphone and home broadband devices are expected to be available by H2 2019. 
• According to CCS Insight, Three now owns about 24 percent of all spectrum suitable for 4G and 5G services. This, it says, places it ahead of BT (21 percent), Vodafone (19 percent) and O2 (15 percent). The remaining 20 percent, which consists of 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz airwaves, is earmarked for sale by Ofcom in late 2019.
• Customers of Three already use 7.6GB of data per month, more than three times the industry average. Based on projections from Ofcom, Dave Dyson, CEO, sees a scenario in which this usage surges to 90GB per month in 2025. Note that this prediction has increased from 56 GB per month in 2025 as we earlier reported.

O2: Massive MIMO Pilot to prepare for 5G

• O2 has the least amount of announcements and information on 5G. In a recent press release, it announced that it has launched a pilot to boost London network ahead of 5G.
• The pilot is effectively saying that O2 is working with Nokia on two Massive MIMO trials in Kings Cross and Marble Arch (in London), aimed at enhancing connectivity for O2 customers and paving the way for the future deployment of 5G across the capital.
• The pilot is in the newly acquired 2.3 GHz spectrum.
• The pilot will lay the foundation for the next-generation of mobile connectivity– 5G.
• On the positive side, Ofcom confirmed that O2 had delivered against its commitment to provide 98% indoor 4G coverage and 90% geographical landmass mass coverage across the UK. 

Average Three UK customer will use 56 GB per month by 2025

Three UK has consistently touted itself as a network built for data, for the next generation of users. In past many of the speakers from Three UK have consistently said that 98% of the network traffic is data.

98% of Three's network traffic is data - 430 terabytes a day over 3G HSPA network - Erol Hepsaydir #BBTM

— Caroline Hicks (@Chicksy_1) November 13, 2013

Though I have not heard this figure being mentioned recently, I wont be surprised if its still the same or even more, considering VoLTE is  data too.

In a recent presentation, Prof. Dr. Erol Hepsaydir, Head of RAN and Device Strategy & Architecture, Three UK talked about the Three UK network transformation and the move from 4G to 5G.

Based on the analysis in Ofcom's Mobile Data Strategy, published in June 2016, Three UK estimates that its customer will use on average 56 GB per month by 2025. This is higher than expected of many other networks but that is because as a smaller network, Three UK has the spare capacity available to spoil their users. Their data packages are very generous too.

I have a feeling that the data use will probably be higher than 56 GB in 2025, partially because of many news apps and services that are being developed with 5G in mind. We will have to wait and see.

Related Posts:

• The Global Reach of Hutchison / '3' Group Mobile Telecom Companies

The Global Reach of Hutchison / '3' Group Mobile Telecom Companies

I am a big fan of 'The Mobile Network' Magazine (hereafter TMN) as it has a very well designed layout and very well thought of content. I always learn quite a few things from each issue. Hence when I saw the last one had an article on the mobile operator '3', I got in touch to get a PDF copy to share (please follow SlideShare embed below to download).

I would recommend everyone to subscribe to get their own physical or soft copy of TMN magazine. To receive your own copies of TMN Quarterly, sign up here: http://the-mobile-network.com/publications/#publications-form

While I was aware of the '3' group, I wasn't aware that the parent company Hutchison had some other brands too. In addition, I was surprised to find out that the group also has a MVNE (learn more about the difference between MNO, MVNO, MVNA & MVNE here)

For those who prefer maps, here is a global footprint of Hutchison Three companies. While most companies operate with a 'Three' brand there are a few that operate under different brand names. The most shocking being Vodafone Australia which is actually a joint venture between Vodafone and Hutchison Telecoms

Anyway, here is the article:

Three times a winner? - TMN Magazine Issue #20 from 3G4G

Further Reading:

• Different Types of Mobile Operators

EE, O2, Three & Vodafone 4G: Which is best?

Which network is best value?

4G doesn't quite live up to the 60Mbps advertised speeds as we topped out at 40Mbps. Around congested urban areas like London you can expect speeds to average between 10 - 20Mbps.

Real-world results showed there was little to separate EE, O2 and Vodafone in terms of raw download speeds. Three was slightly slower but you can still expect 10Mbps+ in most areas.

The networks take a different approach to try and attract customers. EE focuses strengths like widespread coverage and consistent high-speeds. 

Three might not be the fastest but it is the cheapest and the only network which provides true all-you-can-eat data, so you don't need to worry about going over data limits. It is also the only network to allow you to use your allowance in the US, so if you're a frequent traveller this will prove invaluable.

O2 and Vodafone offer similar high-speeds and enticing add-ons. O2 offers subscriptions to Evernote and The Sun+, whereas Vodafone throws in access to Sky Sports Mobile or Spotify Premium.

Ultimately, it's going to depend on the reception. For many people in the UK, the only way to currently get 4G will be to sign up to EE as it offers coverage in areas other networks haven't reached.

Make sure you check every operator's coverage checker before signing up to a plan. Also take time to look at the benefits offered:

Recommendations:

EE - This is the network if you need the widest possible 4G coverage and consistent high-speeds and you're not too interested in add-ons.

O2 - Only if you live in or around one of the 13 big cities and you want access to discounts through the Priority Hub and  subscriptions to Evernote and The Sun+

Vodafone - Covers a third of the UK. This one is for sports or music fans as you get the choice between subscriptions Sky Sports Mobile and Spotify Premium. 

Three - Not the fastest, but the network of choice for those who don't want to be constrained by a data limit. Also allow you to use your allowance in the US.

Read more: http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/22048/ee-o2-three-vodafone-4g-which-is-best#ixzz31Ugt0IU2

Britain could operate with fewer mobile networks, says Three chief

The number of mobile network operators in Britain could soon drop from four to three, according to the chief executive of the UK's smallest carrier.

Three, which has 7.8 million customers and 10% of the market, has previously opposed consolidation in the UK, arguing that prices would rise and consumers would suffer.

"Under the right circumstances the UK could operate competitively with three or with five," said Three chief executive David Dyson, predicting a round of consolidation in Europe from 2014. Any mergers would have to ensure balance in the market, leaving a trio of strong players at the end of the process, he added.

Dyson was responding to speculation that Three, which is owned by the wealthy Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, could look to buy O2 in Britain, as it is currently seeking to do in Ireland. With outsiders such as America's AT&T looking to enter the European market, bankers are predicting a wave of mega-mergers and acquisitions starting next year.

Three opposed the 2010 merger of T-Mobile and Orange, which reduced competition from five to four players in Britain, and has sided with the telecoms watchdog Ofcom in arguing for a minimum of four competitors. During the last spectrum auction, Three secured special protection from Ofcom to ensure it was not outbid and could continue to challenge the big three – EE, O2 and Vodafone.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/dec/04/britain-mobile-network-operators-three-david-dyson

Market share: Mobile operators UK 2013

http://www.statista.com/statistics/279993/market-share-of-mobile-phone-operators-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/