Welsh based mobile firm applies for code powers for 5G FWA network

Clear Mobitel has plans to build a 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) network in Wales, according to a request for code powers the company has put forward to Ofcom. Ofcom has launched a consultation on the request to allow stakeholders to comment on the request.

“The Applicant intends to provide an electronic communications network comprising 5G New
Radio (NR) radio access infrastructure, fibre and microwave backhaul, and a cloud-native 5G
Standalone core network. The Applicant has noted that its proposed network would deliver
5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband services to residential and business premises,
wholesale connectivity to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and enterprise 5G solutions.”

Ofcom code powers consultation

Currently, Clear Mobitel operate as an MVNO and provides e-SIM services, including data-only packages, which appear to use the EE network. A little research on the company, which was unknown to us previously, shows that they have been working with technology firm NEC to build a 5G SA core network, which is based in the AWS cloud. Operating the system in the cloud will help to reduce upfront costs on dedicated hardware, which is often used for this type of solution.

The company has access to some mobile Ofcom Shared Access spectrum around North/ North-East Wales, including in the 1800 MHz and 3.8-4.2 GHz bands, which were granted use back in 2021. This spectrum, particularly the higher band, could be used to operate a fixed 5G network in the areas where they have access to the shared spectrum.