London, UK, 15th Dec 16 – LS telcom UK Ltd with its partners WHP Telecoms Ltd and InterDigital Europe Ltd have written a report on behalf of the National Infrastructure Commission, which examined the potential to enable existing telecommunications infrastructure for future networks. The report was published yesterday, 14th December 2016, alongside the NIC’s own report on 5G infrastructure, which has made some key recommendations to Government on investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

The report assessed both the fixed and mobile telecommunications infrastructure deployed in the UK today with a view to enable future high-speed connectivity nationwide.

The study focused, in particular, on the nationwide road and rail telecoms infrastructure to determine whether the available fixed fibre capacity could potentially be used for providing high-speed wireless connectivity to road users and rail passengers. The study determined the gaps in the required number of sites needed to fulfil the network performance targets and estimated the capital cost of the equipment deployments.

The study also considered the impact on network densification in urban areas, which would be needed for the future enhanced mobile broadband services of 5G. It further mentioned the need to fix the coverage gaps in rural areas in order to meet the overall 5G Vision.

Some of the major challenges in deploying higher capable infrastructure were identified in the report including how access to fixed non-telecoms infrastructure and more fibre at these locations would be needed.

A spokesperson from the NIC said, “We chose LS telcom for their extensive experience and expertise in assessing telecommunications infrastructure and spectrum demand. Their study made a significant contribution to the evidence base underpinning our report, which provides advice to the government on 5G infrastructure challenges. LS telcom’s work provides important input to informed decision-making on 5G infrastructure in the UK.”