The operator will provide StrattoOpencell with access to 2.6GHz spectrum.
Background: Ofcom adopted a new approach to local spectrum access in July 2019, when it released its statement “Enabling wireless innovation through local licensing”. One of the key aspects of the new approach is to enable businesses to request access to spectrum already licensed to mobile operators, which is not actually used or planned for use within the next three years.
Vodafone makes the first move: Vodafone has announced it will be the first operator to give practical application to Ofcom’s sharing approach. The MNO signed a deal with StrattoOpencell, a company that provides connectivity by combining small cells with distributed antenna products. StrattoOpencell will use Vodafone’s 2.6GHz spectrum to offer mobile data speeds of up to 120Mbps to consumers and businesses which cannot access fixed fibre broadband. Vodafone will continue to use spectrum in that band in busy areas, such as stadiums and city centres.
How will this work? The agreement will initially last three years. In a first phase, StrattoOpencell will use the spectrum to provide broadband services to all users at a holiday site in Devon through the deployment of 4G outdoor small cells. Other operators are likely to follow, as noted by Philip Marnick, Group Director, Spectrum, Ofcom: “We look forward to seeing how others use our new spectrum access approach to support innovation and enable local communities to have better connections.”
