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3.2 Mast sharing

Mast, or tower, sharing is a step up from operators

simply co-locating their sites and involves sharing
the same mast, antenna frame or rooftop.
Figure 3: Mast sharing

Shared Compound
Antenna A

Antenna B

3.3 RAN sharing

RAN sharing is the most comprehensive form of

access network sharing. It involves the sharing
of all access network equipment, including the
antenna, mast and backhaul equipment. Each of
the RAN access networks is incorporated into a
single network, which is then split into separate
networks at the point of connection to the core.
MNOs continue to keep separate logical networks
and spectrum and the degree of operational coordination is less than for other types of active
sharing.
Figure 4: RAN sharing
Shared Compound

Equipment
Cabinet A

Equipment
Cabinet B

Antenna A/B

Core Network A

Mast Sharing

Figure 3 shows a single fenced-off compound

within which operators will install their own
access infrastructure, ranging from antennas to
base transceiver station (BTS) cabinets. However,
each operator will install their own antennas onto
a shared physical mast or other structure. The mast
may need to be strengthened or made taller to
support several sets of antenna. As for site sharing,
operators may share support equipment. Operator
coverage remains completely separate.
There are alternative options available to operators
when considering mast sharing. For example,
third party structures such as chimneys and steel
power pylons perform comparably to operator
masts in terms of providing the required height and
load-bearing capacity. In built-up areas, rooftops
may be shared by several operators. Third party
infrastructure providers, such as Arqiva and Crown
Castle, may also enter the market specifically to
provide shared antenna sites to telecoms operators
and broadcasters.

Shared
BTS/Node B

Shared
BSC/RNC

Core Network B

Full RAN Sharing

The above figure illustrates how RAN sharing

might work between two partner networks. In
this scenario both operators share all the access
network elements to the point of connection with
the core network. At this interconnect point each
operator then splits out the traffic from its respective
customers on its own core network ring for
processing by its own core network elements and
infrastructure. The exact implementation may vary
between different operators depending on the local
implementation.
Included in the access network are:
Radio equipment.
Masts.
Site compounds.
Backhaul equipment.