Three UK has announced it is rolling out a new technical standard for indoor 4G.

The mobile network operator is partnering with connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave on its first deployments of the Neutral Host In-Building mobile specification.

The Joint Operator Technical Specifications (JOTS) Neutral Host In-Building (NHIB) is an agreed technical standard for connecting shared in-building radio solutions based on 4G small cell technologies.

All four of the UK’s mobile network operators helped create the new specification, which Three said helps reduce the complexity around a neutral host providing indoor mobile coverage to businesses.

The company says that 80 per cent of mobile calls originate indoors, but modern building materials, such as energy-efficient glass, make it harder for the outdoor macro signal to penetrate inside. This leaves many buildings as mobile signal dead zones, which can reduce business productivity and increase frustration.

The approach is being rolled out by Three UK for its 4G indoor connectivity after successful pilots at two of flexible office provider Workspace’s properties in London, and at a multinational firm’s UK headquarters in the capital.

“We are investing more than ever in enhancing connectivity and coverage, and already have the UK’s Fastest 5G Network, according to Ookla,” said Iain Milligan, chief network officer, Three UK. “Indoor focus has been a major priority of ours with the acquisition of additional low frequency spectrum in 2020 and our agreement with Freshwave will further enhance indoor coverage, particularly for business customers.”

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