Three just doubled its 5G speeds in Glasgow

Three’s 5G network is already often the fastest, going by various third-party tests, and now it’s getting even faster, as the network has successfully doubled both its 4G and 5G speeds in Glasgow during an Open RAN (Radio Access Network) trial.

Specifically, the speeds doubled at peak times, with 5G reaching up to 520Mbps. It’s worth noting that we have already seen higher speeds than that from Three in some places, but they’re rare, and likely recorded under less challenging conditions than peak times in a major city.

In any case, this trial achieved more than just impressive speeds, it also helped to ease congestion at surrounding network sites by boosting overall capacity.

Opening up lots of options

So what’s Open RAN? It refers to using hardware and software components from various companies for a network.

Traditionally, networks have had to work with single suppliers across entire mobile sites, to ensure that all the equipment works together. But Open RAN uses industry-wide specifications to ensure mobile networks aren’t locked into one supplier like that. This can bring costs down and – more importantly – means networks are free to pick the best solution for any given network element.

So Open RAN has obvious upsides, and this trial just shows how beneficial it can be. But this is the first time Open RAN has been trialed in a high-footfall urban environment, with previous tests taking place in less challenging rural locations. So its success in Glasgow should give networks more confidence that it’s an approach that works.

Indeed, Three now plans to expand its Open RAN network in Glasgow from the 18 trial sites to 34 small cell sites, so even more of the city should benefit from this network upgrade.