Private Networks and Neutral Hosts: Mobile Operators discuss next steps for collaboration in IO Roaming Connectivity Lab
Last year IO created a Lab for Roaming Connectivity (RCL) challenges and opportunities. The Lab’s scope has been to address connectivity challenges with networks which fall outside of the roaming connectivity ecosystem established in the industry.
The Executive Board of IO has now agreed on a new work stream for RCL which is a major topic of interest to IO members and its community. IO will focus its future RCL Lab work on access solutions/challenges with private networks and neutral hosts.
Neutral host networking is a cost-effective architecture that uses private LTE or 5G to extend public carrier cellular signals into locations or areas with poor signal strength. Licensed spectrum can also be used. The technology uses the internal switching architecture of a building, along with private LTE or private 5G. Businesses can connect to carrier networks over encrypted tunnels via the internet. New use cases for deploying neutral host networks are emerging.
The RCL Lab will be open to all Members of IO. IO is now seeking nominations for a Chair and Deputy Chair for RCL. Nominations close for these roles on February 21st.
If you’re a member of IO and interested in more information about the RCL work plan, please contact Dhiraj@innovativeoperators.io for more information.
