Latest news from Real Wireless

RW launches report on backhaul TCO | Mobile coverage in rural areas – a step in the wrong direction? | Wireless: an essential utility in modern developments | Real Wireless' honest approach to consultancy | A reflection on WRC-15 | Download the Real Wireless SPF report

Real Wireless study finds latest PMP can deliver almost twice the ROI for MNOs and ISPs compared to traditional last-mile infrastructure

A new Real Wireless report has found that the latest point-to-multipoint (PMP) last-mile solutions can reduce backhaul total cost of ownership (TCO) by as much as 50% and generate 1.8x higher return on investment for enterprise access. The study looks at the TCO of installing and running backhaul networks, based on a range of wired and wireless technologies. As part of the study, Real Wireless modelled a case study of an ISP, building out a network to supply carrier-grade connectivity to enterprises. It found that PMP microwave and sub-6 GHz resulted in the fastest time to break even, potentially enabling an ISP to connect 67% more customers and generate 1.8x higher ROI compared to PTP equivalents. The report highlights the need for MNOs and ISPs to carefully consider the knock-on impact their choice of technology will have for future revenues and growth. Read more here »

Mobile coverage in rural areas – a step in the wrong direction?

A recent article in The Telegraph highlighted the threat of an increased cost of land rental to mobile network operators. The UK has around 54,403 mobile phone masts (macrocells) providing the majority of the country’s mobile coverage and capacity. Many of these masts are on land leased by local landowners, and 4,000 leases are due to expire this year. A lack of regulation will allow land owners to demand higher rents which could have significant consequences for MNOs and consumers.

Despite advances in small cells and Wi-Fi calling, macrocells remain the backbone of the mobile networks and prove vital for wide area coverage in towns and rural areas. Higher rents will either force telecoms companies to pass on costs to consumers or to remove phone masts altogether. This could result in coverage or capacity gaps at a time when reliance on mobile networks by consumers and the emergency services is growing. Read the full blog post here »

Wireless: an essential utility in modern developments

We recently reported on a prestige residential development in Stockholm which struggled to find tenants because its energy efficient build meant there was practically no in-building mobile coverage. The development had to be retro-fitted for wireless at great expense. This example highlights the importance of planning wireless connectivity as part of the utility specification. Forward thinking property developers are increasingly responsive to three main drivers: the growing significance of mixed use developments and the general complexity of infrastructure demands this implies; the need for energy efficiency in new and refurbished developments, which is in turn demanding a new approach to every type of specification; the short term leases that are prevalent in Europe, which mean that increasingly a building has to be ‘ready for anything’ in terms of usage. Developers and their suppliers need to ensure wireless infrastructure sits alongside every other utility spec when high-density buildings are planned. Real Wireless works closely with property developers giving independent, expert advice on the best solutions for their projects. Download our free report on Wireless technology and commercial property »

Real Wireless' honest approach to consultancy

At Real Wireless we've built our reputation on independent, expert advice. An investor client recently asked us to advise on the prospects for a large wireless technology company with diverse business models. The client believed they had spotted hidden synergies between these business models, giving rise for further growth. Before investing further, the investor client approached Real Wireless to carry out an independent review of the prospects. We carried out a detailed review, looking at the company and wider market and concluded that the synergies identified by the client did not represent an opportunity for growth. It wasn’t the outcome our client wanted to hear, but our findings were honest and consistent with our role as independent advisors. Some months later the client contacted Real Wireless – the client had sold their shares in the company before its value began to fall, saving the client further loss in the long term. Read the full report here »

A reflection on WRC-15

In a guest blog post for Tech UK, Real Wireless’
Mike Goddard reflects on the 2015 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC). The WRC is responsible for reviewing and revising the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Several years of intense preparations took place before the conference, and as a result, delegates were able to reach consensus on a number of issues in the first week. Other agenda items proved more difficult and were only resolved in the conference’s final days. These included:

Identification of bands for IMT
Use of satellite bands for control of unmanned aircraft
Issue of a continuous reference timescale
Additional fixed-satellite spectrum above 10 GHz
Draft agenda for the next WRC in 2019

It was particularly difficult to reach agreement to add new services or applications in frequency bands where there are already investments in existing services. There was also considerable and sustained opposition to any proposals that appeared to challenge a strict interpretation of the International Radio Regulations. Read Mike's full blog post here »

Download the Real Wireless report on spectrum usage and demand

Last month the UK Spectrum Policy Forum launched a report prepared by Real Wireless on UK spectrum usage and demand. The report gives a snapshot of current spectrum usage and the long-term future needs, identifying future spectrum ‘pinch points’. Ed Vaizey MP, Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, was the keynote speaker at the launch. He was joined by Real Wireless’ Mike Goddard who took part in the panel discussion and Q&A session. If you haven’t seen the report yet, download it here »

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