This article was originally published by Alberto Velázquez in Noticias de Economía y Finanzas hoy en ABC.es

The 'neutral host' model, in which multiple operators and users share infrastructure, is gaining traction to meet the needs of sectors with critical activity or in high-demand areas.

The global deployment of the 5G network requires significant public investments and, in any case, essential public-private collaboration. In this sense, a public 5G network belongs to and is operated by a single telecommunications operator, as is the case with 'traditional' networks. In the case of 'neutral host' 5G networks, a private network can be shared by various operators, service providers, and users, which helps improve process efficiency.

This connection between services and clients has, therefore, seen significant development in recent times, with an increasing presence of 'neutral hosts' who advocate for their contribution to greater connection security or privacy, and a special indication for companies with critical activity, public companies (hospitals, stadiums, ports...), 'smart cities', etc. This is the case with Boldyn, one of the world's largest shared network infrastructure providers and pioneers in Europe in the implementation of private 5G networks (more than 60), an international scenario in which companies such as Cellnex Telecom or American Tower also figure.

"We have a very ambitious plan in Spain (says David de Celis, country manager Spain of the company), as it is one of the most interesting markets with the most growth potential in Europe, although our industry needs to consolidate its digitalization to be more competitive internationally." Therefore, the company provides the so-called 'first layer' to develop use cases, "in addition to accelerating wireless networks and ensuring high-quality connectivity with private 5G networks designed exclusively for our clients."

"This infrastructure (adds de Celis) allows companies and public administrations to tackle their digital transformation from the technological forefront, ensuring reliable and seamless connectivity, connecting people and different assets with maximum security." A performance in which they plan to double investment in the coming years, with greater and better positioning in strategic sectors, as well as increasing their service portfolio.

With this option, the vast spectrum of telecommunications can address several fronts where the mission of connectivity may be particularly complex, whether in so-called 'high-density public spaces' such as temporary events, rural areas, critical infrastructures, etc.

It also applies to 'industrial verticals', where the industrial internet of things, automation, robotics, etc., are increasingly important. These are objectives of the research work of 5Tonic, a research laboratory founded by Telefónica and Imdea Networks (located at the latter's facilities in Leganés). Ignacio Berberana, senior research engineer at 5Tonic, highlights the importance, in this sense, "of allowing multiple mobile network operators to use them without bias, in a spectrum used in this infrastructure that remains the licensed spectrum of the operators. This model also presents unique challenges, such as the need to ensure data separation between operators sharing the same infrastructure and possibly lower resilience."

However, Berberana points out the balance of opportunities and threats of this network deployment model. "On the one hand (he comments), these shared networks can significantly reduce deployment and operation costs in high-demand areas where it is not feasible for each operator to have its own infrastructure (stadiums, airports, metro networks,...) or where the business case does not justify the investment in network deployment by each operator (such as low-density population areas, rural or hard-to-reach areas), allowing for more efficient coverage expansion." However, in most environments, "the 'neutral host' mobile network deployment model is less effective than an approach where each operator deploys its own network according to market needs and demand."

21st Century Competition

Deployment times, infrastructure development, investment efficiency, the indispensable sustainability... all these variables coexist in a telecommunications market that faces the unstoppable speed of technological progress and the needs demanded by society. In this context, the contribution of 'neutral hosts' must enter the circle, as Berberana points out, "of a more dynamic competition that drives innovation and allows better adaptation to the local and specific needs of each market segment, resulting in a more efficient and personalized service for end users." He adds how "another aspect used to favor this model is security, due to the centralization of the infrastructure, which allows (in theory) a more unified and efficient security management, ease of implementing updates, and reduction of failure points."

Víctor Jiménez, president of the Connectivity Commission of Ametic, points out how these solutions "offer an interesting alternative in certain environments, where having a dedicated mobile network infrastructure for each service provider is not the most efficient, whether for technical reasons (capacity to deploy the infrastructure, complexity), administrative (permits, licenses), environmental (reduction of carbon footprint), or economic (cost optimization)." He adds to the already mentioned areas those of shopping centers or business campuses.

Deployment times, infrastructure development, investment efficiency, the indispensable sustainability... all these variables coexist in a telecommunications market that faces the unstoppable speed of technological progress and the needs demanded by society. In this context, the contribution of 'neutral hosts' must enter the circle, as Berberana points out, "of a more dynamic competition that drives innovation and allows better adaptation to the local and specific needs of each market segment, resulting in a more efficient and personalized service for end users." He adds how "another aspect used to favor this model is security, due to the centralization of the infrastructure, which allows (in theory) a more unified and efficient security management, ease of implementing updates, and reduction of failure points."

Víctor Jiménez, president of the Connectivity Commission of Ametic, points out how these solutions "offer an interesting alternative in certain environments, where having a dedicated mobile network infrastructure for each service provider is not the most efficient, whether for technical reasons (capacity to deploy the infrastructure, complexity), administrative (permits, licenses), environmental (reduction of carbon footprint), or economic (cost optimization)." He adds to the already mentioned areas those of shopping centers or business campuses.

Network of efficiencies

"Another aspect associated with 'neutral host' solutions (adds Jiménez) is the flexibility in the mode of operation or management. There may be cases where one of the operators wants to take over the management of the infrastructure and provide an additional service to the other operators." More options: an independent company managing the infrastructure, as can happen in cases of the owners of the physical space where stadiums, buildings, airports, etc., are located.

The debate, therefore, focuses on aspects of the capacity for synergies between options, the suitability of their application in different environments, and, in any case, their contribution in times of digital transformation.

On the ground, representing professionals working on these developments, Luis Miguel Chapinal, dean of the Official College of Telecommunications Technical Engineers, begins by pointing out the general scope (in which all contributions are welcome): "With the specifications defined by regulations, it is possible for 5G networks to provide their full potential to offer high-quality services such as lag-free video calls, online games with minimal latency, new augmented and virtual reality applications, holographic calls, support for autonomous cars, real-time remote surgical operations... but for this, it is necessary for operators to invest in networks that incorporate improvements in data processing."

Implementing improvements in 'edge computing' and 'network slicing' (virtual networks over a shared common infrastructure), investing in making networks more extensive for better (and more real) 5G coverage... In this environment, Chapinal emphasizes that "it is necessary for the implementation of private 5G networks to advance in the industry. Although there is already a spectrum reserve for local networks under self-provision or private 5G networks of 450 MHz in the 26 GHz band and 20 MHz in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band, there are still few companies that have incorporated or are planning in their investments the use of 5G potential in their production processes."

The specialist also highlights various experiences in this regard, such as those undertaken at BASF, at the Ford production plant, at the Automotive Technology Center of Galicia (CTAG), or at INZU Group, as pioneering entities in the use of private 5G networks in Spain. Part of a deployment in which the public and private sectors must coexist to forge a better telecommunications universe.

To read the full interview, please visit this link Las redes 5G privadas cogen altura como baluartes de la conectividad sin fisuras