The Digital TV Group (DTG) has partnered with Ateme, Imaginary Pictures, Virgin Media O2, and the University of Surrey to develop a solution to optimize mobile network performance in high demand density (HDD) environments. The consortium, known as 5G ONE4HDD, aims to design and deploy a Mobile ‘Cell on Wheels’ (CoW) equipped with Open RAN (radio access network) technology. This innovative solution will provide reliable connectivity in crowded venues and major public gatherings, such as music festivals and sporting events.
The DTG’s technical approach involves the development of a portable cell site that can serve hundreds of users simultaneously. The cell site will be based on Open RAN technology and advanced codecs to ensure high-quality data transmission, even in busy environments. Additionally, the consortium aims to explore the provision of services such as over-the-top (OTT) video and emergency broadcasts.
The project has received £1.47 million in funding from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of its Open Network Ecosystems competition. This funding is a significant boost for research and development in innovative connectivity, ensuring the future-proofing of the UK mobile network. The consortium partners will also be supported by CellXica Radios & Wavemobile and Rohde & Schwarz.
The DTG’s CTO, Alex Buchan, expressed delight in being selected for the competition, stating that the project aims to address the challenge of delivering reliable mobile connectivity in crowded settings while enhancing the user experience. The consortium is excited to work with a group of experts to drive positive impacts in the Open RAN space.
Ateme’s CTO, Mickaël Raulet, highlighted the importance of seamless connectivity, especially in crowded spaces, to enable new and exciting experiences for fan communities. The consortium aims to create experiences that converge video with social media, gaming, and shoppable TV.
This collaboration between industry and academia is a significant step towards improving mobile network performance in high-density environments, ensuring that users can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, even in crowded settings.