Three UK has completed a significant test of Open RAN technology in Glasgow, marking the first time this network approach has been trialled in a densely populated urban setting within the UK. The mobile operator deployed 18 small cell sites across Scotland’s second-largest city, mounting them on lampposts to enhance both 4G and 5G service.
The results showed promising improvements, with 5G speeds reaching up to 520 Mbps during peak usage and a doubling of throughput for both 4G and 5G networks. The trial also helped reduce congestion on nearby macro cell sites, a welcome change in a city that serves over 620,000 residents, along with many daily commuters.
Previously, coverage in Glasgow was inconsistent, ranging from excellent to virtually nonexistent in some areas. Three’s Chief Network Officer, Iain Milligan, described the trial as a major step forward, acknowledging the complexities of integrating Open RAN into an urban setting. These included challenges with legacy systems, security requirements, and software development—all of which were overcome during the project.
Following the successful trial, Three plans to extend its Open RAN deployment to 34 sites, aiming for a total of 51. The initiative forms part of the UK government-backed SCONDA program, funded through the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s £88 million ONE competition launched in 2023.
However, the long-term sustainability of urban Open RAN projects without government support remains uncertain. While the Glasgow effort serves as a valuable test case, broader adoption may depend on proving its practicality and performance in similar environments without public funding. Concerns also persist about the real-world viability of the multi-vendor Open RAN vision, as most current implementations still involve single-vendor systems.