Airspan Networks has been selected by AWTG Limited as the radio access network (RAN) partner for the England’s Connected Heartland Railways (ECH-R) project. This initiative is part of the UK government’s 5G Innovation Regions program, aimed at enhancing connectivity across various sectors.

The ECH-R project focusses on improving rural and transport connectivity by deploying cutting-edge 5G technology, aiming to provide seamless mobile broadband coverage for passengers and railway teams. The deployment will utilize the AirSpeed™ 1900 Outdoor Small Cells, which will be critical in delivering reliable 5G standalone (SA) connectivity along the railway.

Henrik Smith-Petersen, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Airspan Networks, emphasized the project’s significance in enabling robust 5G coverage in challenging environments. The implementation of this technology is expected to support various applications, including passenger broadband, operational efficiency, and trackside connectivity for nearby communities.

The ECH-R initiative is aligned with England's Connected Heartland region's broader efforts to demonstrate the sustainable potential of private 5G networks for railway and rural use, serving as a model for future network expansions across the UK. David Mintah, Mobile Private Networks Director, highlighted the importance of such projects in realizing the transformative capabilities of 5G technology.

Additionally, Airspan is collaborating with AWTG on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region project, which aims to improve connectivity in several rural and semi-urban areas. This initiative will also incorporate a mix of Open RAN technologies, showcasing Airspan's adaptable solutions in the evolving 5G landscape.