Neutral hosts on JOTS

As a strong advocate for emerging neutral hosting models, SCF is delighted to see the first release of the Joint Operator Technical Specifications for Neutral Host In-Building (JOTS NHIB), agreed by the four UK mobile network operators, Telefonica O2, EE, Vodafone and 3UK. The JOTS NHIB specifications set out technical requirements for shared in-building solutions using small-cell base stations.

SCF represents a growing group of neutral hosts and other alternative deployers that have been closely following the development of the JOTS NHIB specifications since they were discussed at Small Cell World Summit 2019 . We see this pioneering operator agreement as a significant step forward in the cost-effective delivery of multi-operator services into small- to medium-sized business premises in the UK, as well as being a template for other regions.

In this paper we provide a neutral host’s perspective on these consensus UK MNO requirements – both for the UK indoor cellular market, but also how global neutral hosts view this model compared to established and emerging models in their own regions.   We conclude by describing SCF’s activities to support commercialization of JOTS in the UK, as well as encourage similar models which can be supported with common technology and policy frameworks.