A new report has revealed that Neutral Host Networks (NHNs) could be a game-changer for mobile network operators, offering both environmental and financial advantages. The study, commissioned by Boldyn Networks and conducted by ABI Research, suggests that NHNs are not only greener but also significantly more cost-effective than traditional standalone 5G deployments.
According to the research, NHNs are 38% more energy-efficient and up to 47% cheaper to operate than individual 5G networks. The study, which compared the two models in cities like New York and Rome, marks a first-of-its-kind analysis of the potential benefits of network sharing. It shows that by consolidating network infrastructure, NHNs can reduce the environmental footprint and operational costs that come with the rapid densification of 5G infrastructure.
Brendan O’Reilly, Group Chief Operating Officer at Boldyn Networks, praised the neutral host model for its potential to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges. “Advances in 5G will enable new possibilities in the way we live, work, and play. But as an industry, we have the responsibility to roll out new networks in a way that is both cost-effective and sustainable,” he said.
NHNs are a network sharing model where multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) share the same infrastructure, reducing the need for each operator to build and maintain separate, often redundant, networks. This collaborative approach helps optimise resources, reducing energy consumption and costs.
The study’s findings are particularly timely, as the telecom industry faces increasing pressure to meet its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. With the global rollout of 5G networks, reducing the environmental impact of these developments has become a key priority. NHNs offer a clear solution to these challenges, enabling telecom operators to cut capital and operating expenditures while supporting the wider adoption of 5G technology.
O’Reilly emphasised that the neutral host model was not just a practical solution to reduce costs but also essential for the accelerated rollout of 5G. “It is critical to accelerating the adoption of 5G and ensuring the delivery of transformative connectivity services for businesses, people, and communities worldwide,” he said.
As the telecom industry strives to deliver on the promise of a more sustainable and interconnected future, the research suggests that mobile operators should seriously consider NHNs as a viable alternative to traditional 5G infrastructure deployment. By reducing both capital expenditure and the environmental impact, NHNs could play a key role in the next phase of global network expansion.
With the telecom industry under scrutiny for its role in achieving sustainability goals, the findings of this research could influence how mobile operators approach the future of 5G infrastructure. As the demand for connectivity grows, the need for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible network models like NHNs will become even more critical.