Mass network densification for 5G – is the UK ready?

Brought to you by The Small Cell Group

The need for mass indoor small cell deployments to provide sufficient capacity has been overhyped for GSM, 3G and currently LTE networks, but has failed to materialise. Small cells seem to be growing in size and moving outside, while their numbers remain small, so what will make it different for 5G?

Registration for this event is now closed.

About the event

The UK spectrum auction for 3.4GHz has already been labelled as 5G by the press. While the increase in spectrum provided by the auction process may delay the need to densify the networks, it ventures into spectrum which cannot provide indoor coverage from the macro network. The only promise of more spectrum is at the higher GHz frequencies, which will surely make small cells a requirement, but specifications of their use and technology for cost-effective deployment seem to continually recede as focus is maintained on the evolution of the LTE networks.

Is there sufficient impetus to overcome the barriers of planning, logistics and operational costs of a dense small cell network in the near future?  

In the UK, the DCMS 5G Testbed and Trials programme has provided £25m to promote six projects across the country. Meanwhile the planned, larger scale, 5G Urban Connected Communities Project envisages holistic solutions to the design of networks, with a mix of technologies, which might include a “dense network of small cells” in dense demand areas.

As the buzz of 5G grows ever louder in our ears, what is the reality of 5G for small cell deployments in the UK?

This event is curated by the CW Small Cell Special Interest Group and delivered on behalf of UK5G.

You can follow @CambWireless on Twitter and tweet about this event using #CWSmallCell.

On behalf of UK5G

UK5G is the new national innovation network dedicated to the promotion of research, collaboration and the commercial application of 5G in the UK.

View profile

Hosted by Future Cities Catapult

Future Cities Catapult aims to advance urban innovation, to grow UK companies, to make cities better. From our Urban Innovation Centre in London, we provide world-class facilities and expertise to support the development of new products and services, as well as opportunities to collaborate with others, test ideas and develop business models. We help innovators turn ingenious ideas into working prototypes that can be tested in real urban settings. Then, once they’re proven, we help spread them to cities across the world to improve quality of life, strengthen economies and protect the environment.

Agenda

Expand all

The information supplied below may be subject to change before the event.

09:00

Registration and networking

10:15

Introduction to Small Cell SIG from Bob Driver, CEO, CW (Cambridge Wireless)

10:25

Small cells for Urban Connected Communities? Trevor Gill, Telecommunications Consultant

What are the factors that have inhibited small cells in the past? Has their time come with 5G? If we need small cells, do we need to share them? How can the DCMS "Urban Connected Communities" project help us find solutions?

10:40

Laying the foundations for 5G deployment in the UK: Dr Matt Yardley, Partner, Analysys Mason

Heading off 5G deployment barriers, recommendations for industry and government. Analysys Mason will report on a study recently completed for Broadband Stakeholder Group.

11:00

Q & A

11:05

Small Cells - an operator’s perspective: David Fittall, Radio Evolution Manager at Telefónica o2 UK

11:25

Q & A

11:30

Refreshments and networking

12:00

Small Cells and Coordinated Shared Spectrum: is the UK missing out? Prof Simon Saunders, Principal, Google

12:20

Q & A

12:25

How to make massive small cell deployment compelling: Paul Senior, CEO, Dense Air

12:45

Q & A

12:50

Lunch and networking

13:50

A path to urban 5g small cells? Peter Love, Small Cells Principle Architect for Nokia Networks

This presentation outlines 2 opposing views of 5G urban (outdoor) small cells deployments and highlights some of the key attributes of making it a success

14:10

Q & A

14:15

Panel session with all speakers

14:45

End of session followed by refreshments and networking

16:00

Event closes

Speakers

David Fittall - Radio Evolution Manager at O2 (Telefónica UK), Telefonica O2 UK

David has worked in the mobile industry for almost 20 years first with Vodafone and currently with O2. His current role is managing the Network Evolution & Customer team reporting to O2’s Head of Radio with the responsibility for radio strategy, assessing and forecasting network demand, coverage and capacity modelling, and defining and measuring customer experience and network performance KPIs.

Trevor Gill - Technical Advisor - Future Networks Programme, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

Trevor Gill graduated from Cambridge University in 1977 and joined Racal Electronics to work on development of military radio systems. In 1983 he was part of the small team which helped to choose the technology of the analogue cellular network launched by Racal Vodafone in 1985. He initiated the design of the world's first GSM mobile phone before moving to Vodafone to lead development of radio planning software. In Vodafone R&D he steered the subsequent development of 3G, 4G and the beginnings of 5G technology. He was recognised as a Vodafone “Distinguished Engineer” in 2012. He is now an independent consultant and trustee of two charities which encourage young people to take up careers in engineering.

Peter Love - Techno/economic business consultant, Nokia

Peter has worked in the mobile communications industry for nearly 30 years, firstly at Orbitel UK and then at Nokia Networks. Peter helped developed the first 2G DCS1800 BTSs to Orange and then continued in building a viable business for network planning & optimisation services in the UK. Holding various roles over the years focusing on UK, Europe and global markets Peter is now a principle services architect in the 5G/densification area helping operators globally to make the most appropriate decisions. Until recently he held the office of chair/vice chair of the Small Cells Forum Operations group where he played a significant role for 5 years.

Simon Saunders - Visiting Professor, King's College London

Prof. Simon Saunders is an independent advisor and researcher with deep industry and academic background in communication systems technology and a burgeoning interest in the intersection between real and artificial neural systems, communication systems and music. He is a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, telecoms advisor to DCMS and Trustee of the charity Music for All.

Simon is a specialist in the technology of wireless communications, with a technical and commercial background derived from senior appointments in both industry (including Google, Motorola and Philips), academia (University of Surrey, Trinity College Dublin) and regulation (Ofcom).

He founded the Small Cell Forum and chaired this industry association from 2007-12, growing membership to 150 companies and working with 3GPP to create the first standards for small cells. He acted as Director of Emerging & Online Technology for Ofcom, leading Ofcom’s Emerging Technology programme and creating their Online Tech team. At Google (2015-20), he worked with operators globally to enhance wireless connectivity via a range of advanced technology initiatives, combining wireless networks, artificial intelligence and network virtualisation. As co-founder and Director of Technology for independent wireless strategy advisory firm Real Wireless (2006-15), he was responsible for overall technical capability and direction, providing independent wireless expertise and advice to operators, regulators, technology and law firms and wireless users. In 2019 Simon organised the world’s first 5G music lesson on behalf of charity Music for All, led by famous musician Jamie Cullum.

He is an author of over 150 articles, books and book chapters, including a popular textbook on antennas and propagation. He has invented over 15 patented wireless technologies and served on technical advisory boards of several companies and universities.

Paul Senior - CTO, Airspan, CEO, Dense Air

Paul Senior is chief executive officer and founder of Dense Air. With more than 35 years of experience in the radio telecommunication industry, he has held senior management positions at Airspan Networks, Nortel, Alcatel, DSC Communications, Plessey Research, and GEC Telecoms, spanning the eras of 2G, 3G, and 4G. A renowned small cell evangelist, he participated in the creation of the WiMAX Forum in 2002 and is active in many industry bodies focused on Open RAN, small cells, and the evolution to standalone 5G New Radio. While chief technology officer at Airspan, he was responsible for the mass deployment of small cell LTE solutions for Sprint in the United States and Reliance Jio in India. Paul holds various patents for technical innovations throughout his career, and he graduated from Coventry University in England with a Higher National Diploma in Telecommunications and Radio Systems Engineering.

Matt Yardley - Partner, Analysys Mason

Matt is a Partner at Analysys Mason, where he has worked since 1997. He has advised operators and investors on next-generation network strategies including fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and future mobile technologies; broadcasters on content distribution using broadband networks; regulators on competitive issues in next-generation access networks and the costs of broadband universal service obligation (USO); and governments on broadband public policy and national broadband plans.  Matt has led numerous projects assessing the business case for investment in fibre networks. He has also advised on financial transactions and strategy projects where FTTH has been depolyed using electricity utility infrastructure, a theme that he has been involved in since work with the European Commission (EC) on the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive in 2012.  More recently, Matt led our work for the EC on costing the future connectivity needs of Europe including gigabit speeds, covering both FTTH and 5G.  Matt is currently directing Analysys Mason's work for the Irish Government on its National Broadband Plan, one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe.

SIG Champions

Simon Fletcher - CEO, Real Wireless

Simon joined Real Wireless in January 2016 as Chief Technology Officer, taking overall technical and innovation strategy responsibility across the company. He is a member of the UK5G AB, co-chair of the International WG, and member of the Climate WG. His long-standing association with the UK innovation eco-system through roles such as Director of mVCE and the Innovate-UK ICT-KTN brings a wealth of practical knowledge on open innovation to accelerate product and services delivery. Simon spent his formative years in telecoms infrastructure systems and product development. In NEC Corporation he played a key role in the formation of Joint Ventures for development of 3G and 4G products and established a core team that developed the first-generation of technology for 4G systems culminating in a Steering Board position in the LTE SAE Trials Initiative (LSTI). In recent times he has directed projects on future cities, the application 5G and IoT in industry verticals with an event horizon towards 2030. His long participation in Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) and then directing Real Wireless engagement in H2020 and the 2016 NIC study on Future Comms infrastructure brings great foresight on a range of architectural evolutions underway in 5G architectures, in particular for Open RAN and Diversification. He is a CW Small Cell SIG Champion, and in February 2022 the Small Cell Forum (SCF) appointed Simon as their Chief Strategy Officer, drawing on 25 years direct industry experience and work as an advisor to governments, regulators and big business.

Caroline Gabriel - Research Director, Analysys Mason, Co-founder and Research Director, Rethink Technology Research

Caroline has been engaged in technology analysis, research and consulting for 30 years and since 2002, has been focused entirely on mobile and wireless. As co-founder and research director of Rethink Technology Research, Caroline has developed a significant research base and forecast methodology, based around deep contacts with mobile and converged operators round the world. This addresses critical issues and trends in mobile and wireless infrastructure, and particularly operator deployment intentions for 4G, 5G, small cells, Cloud-RAN and other technologies. She is also a senior contributor to Analysys Mason’s Next Generation Wireless research programme. She has led research and consulting projects with a wide range of clients, including mobile infrastructure vendors, large and start-up operators, regulators, trade bodies, government agencies and financial institutions. Her advice and forecasts have helped inform strategic decisions at a wide range of vendors, operators, start-ups and finance houses. Prior to setting up Rethink, Caroline held various executive positions at VNU Business Publishing BV, then Europe’s largest producer of technology related B2B reports and publications. She was the European content and research director, and was a member of the leadership team for VNU’s online business. She holds an MA from the University of Oxford.

Vicky Messer - VP Product Management, Picocom

Vicky Messer is VP of Product Management at Picocom with over 25 years of experience in the wireless industry. Vicky joined Picocom over 4 years ago and leads Product Management, Technical Marketing and partnership activities. Vicky also leads the Picocom Small Cell Forum (SCF) activities and joined the board member at Small Cell Forum (SCF). In recognition leading in multiple work items and a published papers, Vicky was awarded the SCF ‘Outstanding Individual Contribution to SCF award’ in 2020.

Vicky is a certified IET registration mentor, and currently mentors a local young female engineer. In May 2023 Vicky joined Industrial Advisory Board Bath University Electronics and Electrical Engineering and also won a SCF Industry Award 2023 for Women in Wireless.

Neil Piercy - Founder, Independent

Neil has been developing base stations for various communications systems for over 30 years, during which time he has performed roles throughout the whole development lifecycle, as well as management roles. Neil joined the small cell specialist company, ip.access, when it was formed as a spin-off from TTP Com back in 2000, and stayed with the company for 23 years, during which time his roles varied from System Architect through to Head of Engineering. As a Systems Engineer covering software, hardware, and RF, he includes specialist areas such as security and networking, as well as a focus on all aspects of protocol design and implementation. He has analysed system performance and performed simulations across GSM, UMTS, LTE and NR small cell RAN equipment and systems. He is now a freelance telecoms Systems Engineering consultant.

Simon Saunders - Visiting Professor, King's College London

Prof. Simon Saunders is an independent advisor and researcher with deep industry and academic background in communication systems technology and a burgeoning interest in the intersection between real and artificial neural systems, communication systems and music. He is a Visiting Professor at King’s College London, telecoms advisor to DCMS and Trustee of the charity Music for All.

Simon is a specialist in the technology of wireless communications, with a technical and commercial background derived from senior appointments in both industry (including Google, Motorola and Philips), academia (University of Surrey, Trinity College Dublin) and regulation (Ofcom).

He founded the Small Cell Forum and chaired this industry association from 2007-12, growing membership to 150 companies and working with 3GPP to create the first standards for small cells. He acted as Director of Emerging & Online Technology for Ofcom, leading Ofcom’s Emerging Technology programme and creating their Online Tech team. At Google (2015-20), he worked with operators globally to enhance wireless connectivity via a range of advanced technology initiatives, combining wireless networks, artificial intelligence and network virtualisation. As co-founder and Director of Technology for independent wireless strategy advisory firm Real Wireless (2006-15), he was responsible for overall technical capability and direction, providing independent wireless expertise and advice to operators, regulators, technology and law firms and wireless users. In 2019 Simon organised the world’s first 5G music lesson on behalf of charity Music for All, led by famous musician Jamie Cullum.

He is an author of over 150 articles, books and book chapters, including a popular textbook on antennas and propagation. He has invented over 15 patented wireless technologies and served on technical advisory boards of several companies and universities.

Event Location

Open in google maps

Location info

Future Cities Catapult, London, One Sekforde Street, London, EC1R 0BE

Email organiser

Related resources

Related events

  • Cambridge Wireless

    Backhauling the Rural Mobile Broadband Service

    Register now
  • Cambridge Wireless

    Risk, perception, management and mitigation in RF Safety

    Register now
  • Cambridge Wireless

    Member Networking 2024

    Register now

Subscribe to the CW newsletter

This site uses cookies.

We use cookies to help us to improve our site and they enable us to deliver the best possible service and customer experience. By clicking accept or continuing to use this site you are agreeing to our cookies policy. Learn more

Reserve your place

Join the CW network

CW is a leading and vibrant community with a rapidly expanding network of nearly 400 companies across the globe interested in the development and application of wireless and mobile technologies to solve business problems.

Sign in to your account

Please sign in to your CW account to reserve a place at this event and to qualify for any member discounts.

Start typing and press enter or the magnifying glass to search

Sign up to our newsletter
Stay in touch with CW

Choosing to join an existing organisation means that you'll need to be approved before your registration is complete. You'll be notified by email when your request has been accepted.

i
Your password must be at least 8 characters long and contain at least 1 uppercase character, 1 lowercase character and at least 1 number.

I would like to subscribe to

Select at least one option*