Neutral Host Networks CIC · Bath, United Kingdom
Unlocking the future of Neutral Host Outdoors.
Delivered on the ONE WORD 5G project with 14 partner organisations including the University of Lancaster and four local authorities. Read the measured results →
Why NHOD matters
The UK's telecommunications landscape is evolving rapidly, with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) facing increasing pressure to expand mobile coverage into areas where traditional deployment models are not commercially viable. The government's 2023 Wireless Infrastructure Strategy set a target for 5G standalone access in all populated areas by 2030, but MNOs cannot realistically achieve this alone.
Neutral Host Outdoors (NHOD) solutions allow multiple MNOs to share infrastructure, improving rural and suburban connectivity while reducing deployment costs. Indoor Neutral Host (NHIB) models are already commercially established, with successful deployments in high-profile locations like the London Underground. However, an agreed commercial model for NHOD is still missing — a gap that must be closed for outdoor neutral hosting to scale sustainably.
NHN exists to close that gap: combining live 5G small cell deployment with local authorities and the commercial, policy and standards work that makes shared mobile network infrastructure repeatable.
One neutral host cell site carrying multiple Mobile Network Operators removes duplicated capital spend, lowers the cost per covered premise, and makes marginal rural and suburban sites viable for the first time.
Neutral Host In-Building models are already commercially proven. Pairing them with outdoor neutral host sites gives continuous coverage across high streets, venues, markets and public buildings.
Shared small cells on existing street furniture reduce clutter and planning friction — critical in the conservation areas and heritage settings that many UK councils manage.
We work with councils, combined authorities and MNOs on neutral host feasibility, deployment and the commercial framework behind it.