Thanks to CBRS and MOCN architectures, neutral host networks are being adopted in the U.S.
Verizon might be a hold-out over AT&T and T-Mobile in this regard
AvidThink's Chua said all 3 major MNOs will agree to neutral host rules over time
Neutral host private networking is gaining prominence in the United States, as some major operators and large enterprises are starting to move to this more inclusive private networking model.
Neutral Host Networks are shared wireless infrastructures that enable multiple network operators to provide connectivity and coverage in indoor enterprise spaces and outdoor public arenas. Rather than each Mobile Network Operator (MNO) deploying their own separate infrastructure, a single neutral host network can serve multiple MNOs thereby lowering the costs of deploying this infrastructure. Thus, this shared approach is particularly relevant when deploying large in-building systems in big venues, or in industrial sites with specialist requirements. Neutral host deployments have started with in-building coverage in carpeted and industrial enterprises, schools and hospitals.
“Neutral host private networks are indeed gaining popularity in the U.S.,” Asad Khan, research director, 5G & wireless networks at SNS Telecom & IT, told Fierce in an email. “The availability of [mid-band, shared] CBRS spectrum, combined with the MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) architecture, has made small cell-based neutral host implementations far more accessible than before.”
Both AT&T and T-Mobile US support this approach, the analyst said. “Verizon has also been involved in a limited set of engagements, most notably with Meta's in-building wireless network, which allows subscribers of all three national mobile operators to seamlessly roam on and off across the tech giant's commercial properties,” Khan added.
Verizon: Anchor tenant in a neutral host world?
Verizon was open to neutral host, but only if they were the anchor tenant, noted Roy Chua, principal analyst at AvidThink during a call with Fierce. This would cause some friction with AT&T and T-Mobile, since the whole point of “neutral host” is enabling multiple operators to co-exist equally on the same private network infrastructure. “I think in principle they’re open to it,” Chua stated.
In fact, Verizon unveiled its first neutral host deal in May this year. The operator worked with Ericsson to deploy a neutral host 5G private network at engine maker Cummins' upstate New York factory.
The operator still, however, appeared a little cautious about onboarding onto other operators' neutral host networks. “It would really depend on the specifics of the implementation, and we'd make an informed decision from there,” the operator said in May.
“There is a desire to have private 5G for indoor coverage that uses multiple carriers,” Chua said. “[That delivers] e911 services indoors for safety reasons, there’s a lot of pluses in that scenario.”
“If T-Mobile can do it, and AT&T can do it, I don’t see why Verizon can’t do it,” Chua concluded.