As the neutral host sector continues to expand its role in delivering connectivity across the UK, there is increasing recognition of the importance of collaboration between mobile network operators, neutral host providers and local government to enable cost-effective deployment of small cells.

For Nick Wiggin, Partnerships Director at Wireless Infrastructure Group and Co-Chair of SCF’s Neutral Host Working Group, this means bringing together key stakeholders across industry and government to facilitate the deployment of small cells through the use of shared infrastructure, particularly centralized radio access network (CRAN) architecture.

With more than 25 years of experience in telecommunications partnerships, spanning roles at Ericsson, Huawei, BT Group and central government, Nick brings valuable insight into how collaboration can fast-track deployment and help mobile network operators and local authorities work together more effectively.

Q&A with Nick Wiggin

What is your role within the Neutral Host Working Group and what areas are you focused on supporting?

“My main focus is around helping the working group facilitate the deployment of small cells through the use of shared infrastructure, in particular the use of CRAN architecture.

“I strongly believe that CRAN architecture has the potential to deliver performance alongside both economic and sustainability benefits that position it as a preferred option for mobile network operators and local government partners to improve coverage and capacity across the country.

“Local authorities are key stakeholders in the deployment of small cells across the UK, and I’m happy to be taking a leading role to ensure their opinions are captured and disseminated across the Small Cell Forum.”

Why are you and Wireless Infrastructure Group involved in this work?

“I’m interested in helping the industry to find better ways of accelerating the widespread deployment of outdoor small cells. Improving coverage and capacity is vital in maintaining connectivity for businesses and the public.

“I’m a firm believer that collaboration between local government and industry is, and will continue to be, key in driving adoption of outdoor small cells throughout the community.

“Furthermore, I think it’s evident that more work is needed to better educate stakeholders on the benefits of CRAN. At Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) I lead the roll-out of our CRAN neutral host small cell networks across the country. This gives me an unrivalled viewpoint of the state of understanding and where the gaps in knowledge and awareness exist that need to be filled by the work of the SCF and this working group in particular.”

What specific knowledge and skills do you bring to the group?

“I have worked in telecoms for more than 25 years. In that time, I have held a variety of partnership roles with companies such as Ericsson, Huawei and BT Group and have also built considerable experience in central government.

“Over time, I have built a robust network of stakeholder connections across both industry and government, and I strive to bring them together to support the work of the SCF in fast-tracking deployment.”

What do you value about being part of SCF

“At the time of writing, I’ve been involved with the Forum for almost a year and I have been impressed by the collaborative approach. It’s clear that our industry has a continuously evolving program of work to undertake, and where there is more work to be undertaken, I feel that the SCF has a significant role to play in enabling the neutral host model to thrive both in the UK and around the world.”