- Verizon is using Ericsson’s Radio Dot as it starts its neutral host push
- Healthcare providers are among the first to combine its neutral host system with 5G private networks
- Analyst Daryl Schoolar thinks that other operators may opt-in if the end-users are important potential customers
Verizon is combining its neutral host solutions with 5G private wireless networks, which are first being used by healthcare providers such as AdventHealth and Tampa General Health.
“In my opinion this is a smart approach as neutral host and private mobile networks complement each other,” Recon Analytics analyst Daryl Schoolar told Fierce. “Neutral host improves public coverage in a building, while private mobile network improves network coverage for private use. While both serve a different purpose, they can share radio and in-building transport facilities.”
A Verizon spokesperson said that it is using a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) architecture for its neutral host deployment. MORAN architecture enables multiple operators to share the same physical infrastructure, such as antennas and base stations, without sharing spectrum. Each operator uses its own spectrum to deliver services, allowing them to maintain control over their network resources while benefiting from shared infrastructure. This is different from the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) infrastructure, which enables multiple operators to share a single RAN.
Ericsson's DAS killer is here
“Ericsson is the platform provider for these networks,” the Verizon spokesperson said. Recon’s Schoolar noted that Verizon is using Ericsson’s Radio Dot neutral host system for its MORAN expansion, and this system is certified by all three major mobile operators in the United States.
“Verizon operating as its own neutral host provider is a different approach than AT&T and T-Mobile,” Schoolar noted. “Both AT&T and T-Mobile participate in neutral host networks, but those neutral networks are generally provided by companies like Celona and ExteNet Systems.”
“Onboarding additional operators is the responsibility of the customer/network owner, not Verizon, and the other operators would need to opt in,” the Verizon spokesperson noted.
“Verizon offers a managed service providing technical assistance to the customer for onboarding, in the event the customer so desires. Ultimate responsibility remains with the customer in the event they contract this service, with Verizon acting as a service provider,” the spokesperson added.
“This doesn’t mean AT&T and T-Mobile won’t join a Verizon neutral host network,” noted Schoolar. “AT&T and T-Mobile wanting to be present at important sites like hospitals and airports should motivate them to participate in a neutral network even if it is run by one of their fiercest competitors.”
The changing in-building landscape
The indoor wireless market is going through a big transition. Many enterprises are finding that their existing in-building cellular systems are aging out. And while those systems may have originally been installed for free by a mobile network operator (MNO), the business landscape has changed. Now, many times, enterprises must upgrade their own systems at their own expense. And they’re at a bit of a loss because they don’t usually have in-house cellular experts.
For a full Fierce Network Research report on in-building wireless and Ericsson's Radio Dot system, click here.