As we wait for project momentum to build in the early part of January there is time to reflect upon the events and changes we have seen during 2016.
In the world of mobile operators, it was a rather unusual year, with seemingly little progress being made regarding development of the existing networks. There were a number of varied influences that created the perceived apathy towards full on network expansion.
Early in the year BT announced its buy-out of the mobile giant, EE, once more placing BT back at the top of the domestic communications hierarchy with both mobile and fixed line network coverage far in excess of its competitors. The effect on the network has been that many plans for the legacy EE network were placed on hold for much of 2016 whilst BT determined their future plans.
Similarly, for the first six months of last year both Three and O2 were concentrating on putting in place plans for a merger of their networks and infrastructure. In addition to working out the high level internal politics of both companies and trying to agree on management of both the mechanism for a merger and the resultant business, decisions also had to be made about how the network infrastructure of both companies would be rationalised and deployed. Parts of the O2 infrastructure is still based within BT existing Exchange sites, a legacy of O2’s origins as BT Cellnet. Conversely the Three network is operated through a handful of large, purpose-built data centres and so integration of both would require significant re-structuring. The imminent introduction of 5G, planned to be in full operation by the year 2020, also had to be given consideration.
The convergence of the two operators was rapidly brought to a halt when the European Commission blocked it in May, stating that the reduction of mobile operators in the UK would be detrimental to the consumer. The decision may also have been influenced by Vodafone’s announcement that they would seriously review their position among the UK mobile arena should such a merger take place.
The effects of the EU Referendum, which included both the uncertainty leading up to 23rd June 2016 and the resultant decision by UK voters to leave, also created hesitancy among operators.
For Network Infrastructure installation companies, such as Allied Telecoms, last year has meant a real tightening of belts and battening of hatches whilst we rode the storm. Finally, 2017 has arrived with talk already of plans to start deployment of embryonic 5G equipment into test-beds and even into the field for trials and gradual integration. In addition, there is evidence that projects that were discussed and subsequently ‘shelved’ last year are being brought out of the bottom drawer and put forward for inclusion in the next allocation of budgets.
So, it is with a renewed vigour and confidence that Allied Telecoms welcomes 2017 and all that it may offer. Hopefully, it will prove to be both a ‘Happy and Prosperous New Year’.