Brief project description: Our inhouse PROX5 design team were tasked with completing a Stage 1 feasibility study for a mobile network operators vendor swap requirements whereby they would be removing 3 existing antennas and replacing them one new Hybrid AIR antenna per sector.
The Hybrid AIR antenna is designed to provide phone and WiFi signals while also offering transmission for 5G capabilities.
This new antenna upgrade would dramatically increase the current capabilities of the proposed tower site should the project go ahead.
Project Challenges: No active work had been completed on the antenna site since 2019. This meant that accurate visuals and up to date reports on the site structure were in short supply.
Because the site already had fixed transmission antennas installed (that were not to be replaced), the main challenge of this feasibility project was to come up with a new solution to meet the mobile network operators requirements while retaining the sites existing framework.
Our inhouse design team were more than up for the challenge and we were able to successfully complete the feasibility project for the client using our PROX5 software; proving that the system would fully meet current compliance.
At HF Comms, we deliver engineering, design, construction & project management for a full range of telecommunications services across the UK.
Since our inception in 1996 we have grown to a team of well over 100 highly-skilled engineers, working on ground-breaking telecommunications contracts. Clients who contract us benefit from working with a company which prides itself in keeping all of the necessary skills in-house, thus eliminating the lack of control and risks of sub-contracting.
If you would like to know more about our Comms Services, examples of the work we have done in this sector or if you have any questions about bespoke services that you are looking for, please call our head office in Glasgow on 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk.
Posted on July 25th, 2023 in
London 5G Installation
Project length: 8 days HF divisions involved:Comms
Brief project description: HF Comms were instructed to provide a 5G upgrade to an existing roof top telecom site in the centre of London.
The project required civil, rigging and electrical works to be completed and this required the project to be carried out in two key stages.
Stage 1
Civil works were required to install three new concrete plinths. This installation included waterproofing to accommodate a new steel tripod. A new wall mounted support pole was also installed to make the site secure.
Stage 2
Stage two required rigging works to be completed in order to remove legacy antennas and associated hardware. The new 5G antennas and hardware were then installed by the HF Comms team. This included installation included new DC cabling and new multicore fibre cables installation.
Once this was completed, electrical works were then required to install new DCDU units within the PSU so that all the installation hardware at top level could be powered up.
To complete the 5G installation, the HF Comms team worked along with the equipment vendor so that all new technologies were correctly integrated into the network.
The entire works installation was completed following HF Comms design according to customer’s instructions and industry specifications.
Project Challenges: Prior to the works starting, a Site Provider Pre-Start Meeting took place to agree the method statement on how these works will be executed. Once everything was agreed we were ready to progress to the build stage.
The installation required a new 5.25m tall tripod and a 6.30m wall mounted support pole to be installed. Due to the size of this and in order to lift the steelwork and antennas into position, both a crane and MEWP were deployed. To ensure site safety, barriers were used to cordon off the drop zone areas.
All equipment and materials were also lifted to the roof using the crane.
With accurate planning, we managed to complete the project in time, budget and quality required.
Find out more
There are few areas of industry as fast-moving as the Communications sector. Certainly, there are few as competitive. In this climate, HF Comms has grown and developed almost as quickly as the sector itself. And we recognise that simply to be abreast of technologies is no longer good enough.
Operating across the UK, we delivery engineering, design, construction and project management services for a full range of telecommunications services. All proudly delivered by our Comms team who provide knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to all the projects that we deliver.
If you would like to know more about our telecommunication services, examples of the work we have done in this sector or if you have any questions about bespoke telecoms services that you are looking for, please contact us today by calling 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk.
Brief project description: HF Comms were instructed to upgrade an existing telecoms site for one of the leading UK Mobile network operator’s and their planned 5G roll out.
The project required two stages. Stage 1 required the removal of legacy antennas, cabinet and associated hardware and stage 2 was for the installation of the brand new 5G antennas and hardware. This included new cabling, new cabinet and complete upgrade of existing electrical works.
As always, our Comms team designed the installation proposal with the customer’s requirements at the forefront.
Project Challenges:
For this 5G upgrade project, we deployed 3 antennas composed of a combination of 4G and a 5G antenna. This set up meant that each antenna was weighing approximately 140kg each and around 2.3m in length. Due to the weight and size of the antennas, the existing structure had to be strengthened with additional steel work.
In order to lift the antennas into position, both a crane and MEWP were deployed. To ensure safe access to site for these plant vehicles, we had trackway temporarily installed for the duration of the build works.
The existing telecoms site was to be accessed through a field which meant liaising with the site provider to ensure there were no issues with us having the trackway in situ throughout the build.
With prior planning, we managed to complete the project fully on time ahead of site activation.
Find out more
There are few areas of industry as fast-moving as the Communications sector. Certainly, there are few as competitive. In this climate, HF Comms has grown and developed almost as quickly as the sector itself. And we recognise that simply to be abreast of technologies is no longer good enough.
Operating across the UK, we delivery engineering, design, construction and project management services for a full range of telecommunications services. All proudly delivered by our Comms team who provide knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to all the projects that we deliver.
If you would like to know more about our telecommunication services, examples of the work we have done in this sector or if you have any questions about bespoke telecoms services that you are looking for, please contact us today by calling 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk.
Brief project description: HF Comms were contracted to decommission a redundant telecoms site and remove the equipment located on top of Glenfuir Court High Rise residential building in Falkirk.
We have been providing site decommissioning services for communications operators who have been consolidating your networks or needing systems removed for many years and can provide a full spectrum of equipment decommissioning services going all the way up to large scale radio site decommissioning and removal services.
Project Challenges: We had to liaise with the local council for the decommission works to take place. This was because the main portion of the residential buildings car park had to be cordoned off during the work; as did the access to one of the entrances of to the building to ensure the drop zone for the works was not compromised.
The work required the use of a 130 tonne crane for the decommissioning and took two separate visits to complete. This was because of unforeseen inclement weather as well as a birds nest which we discovered under the site grillage. The nest and chicks were deemed likely to be that of a herring gull which commonly nest on flat roofed buildings like this. The bird eggs are incubated for around 25 to 33 days. Once hatched, the fledglings are dependent on parents and unable to fly for around 6 weeks. Herring gull have a single brood, so once the young leave the nest it is no longer be considered active. Once this allotted time had passed, we were able to return for our second visit to complete the decommissioning work.
On top of these challenges, we were also required to complete the decommissioning work alongside separate elevator upgrade work that the residential building was also having completed at the time.
Customer quotes:
“A massive thanks to HF for finally getting this one over the line, it has been 18 months in the planning due to other ongoing projects, site has been decommissioned and all apertures sealed correctly to ensure the building is watertight”
Find out more
There are few areas of industry as fast-moving as the Communications sector. Certainly, there are few as competitive. In this climate, HF Comms has grown and developed almost as quickly as the sector itself. And we recognise that simply to be abreast of technologies is no longer good enough.
Operating across the UK, we delivery engineering, design, construction and project management services for a full range of telecommunications services. All proudly delivered by our Comms team who provide knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to all the projects that we deliver.
If you would like to know more about our telecommunication services, examples of the work we have done in this sector or if you have any questions about bespoke telecoms services that you are looking for, please contact us today by calling 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk.
Posted on August 16th, 2022 in
Arqiva – Antennas Replacement
Client: Arqiva Project length: 1 Year Project value: £22k Completion date: March 2019 HF divisions involved:Comms
Brief project description: Removal of existing 3 x H3G and EE Racal 2212 antennas and replacing with 3 x new Commscope antennas. Also, the addition of 6 x new feeders, utilising the existing cable trays/feeder management system. Feeder trays and antennas mounted to the side of the gas holder, as shown in the pictures below.
Project Challenges : The biggest challenge we had with this project was the access to the gas site. There were vehicles parked all around the gas holder. 2 x MEWPs were required to facilitate the running of the feeder. One would be used to secure the feeder in multiple positions as it was pulled through. Having access to the necessary berthing positions for the MEWPs was essential in ensuring the work would be successful.
This was overcome by close coordination with SGN, as the owners of the structure, Arqiva, and our MEWP supplier and rigging team. We were also required to coordinate our activities with Nokia, as they were undertaking works on the ground-based cabin, in conjunction with our works.
Due to diligent planning, and close monitoring during the build period, the project was a complete success, finishing with a significant profit, and resulting in praise from the Arqiva PM, as he appreciated the difficulties overcome.
“Well done on this one as it was a horrible site to get access to and pass the SGN ‘roadblock’. Major site for customer as well”
Brief project description: Relocation of all operators equipment to a temporary location was required to allow developers to start demolition works in readiness for redevelopment to luxury apartments.
We provided mobile telecoms dishes, antenna’s and cabinet relocation to new temporary location. Install of new electrical supply to temporary location.
Project Challenges: Due to the number of different parties involved in this project (Arqiva, landlord, developers construction company and 10 different operators), there were many challenges. Regular communication with all parties and amending timescales and scopes to suit all ensured everyone was kept up to date and agreements were made. Adhering to the 10 different operators differing scopes and timescales for outages was a great success with all going smoothly meaning no loss of networks. In amongst this was a large amount of decommissioning works carried out by HF to clear areas needed both by the developers for their works and by ourselves for relocation of operators kit. Communication and liaising with developers was key to the success of all this work. All this work brought about a very successfully completed project and within the timescales set, despite delays due to operators scope changes and over a month’s delay due to Peregrine Falcons nesting.
“I want to conclude by offering my earnest thanks and appreciation to the whole of the HF team, on and off site. All of the team is most well-motivated, professional and hard working. They have anticipated requirements and acted in advance to avoid any issues and delays. They have contributed valuable ideas to better the designs and plans, without deviating too far from either. It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to work with all of them.” Mike Noel, Arqiva’s Design Manager
Posted on October 2nd, 2019 in
Arqiva – Orkney, Scotland
Client:Arqiva Project length: 5 Years Project value: £26k (Part of a £4.5m project) Completion date: September 2019 HF divisions involved:Comms
Brief project description: Cew telecoms street works pole & cabinet installation on the Orkney islands for Smart Meter, project ran by Arqiva for the DECC.
Project Challenges: With 20+ years in the telecoms industry new installations are not uncommon for HF Comms, however building these sites on the islands always presents unique challenges. The biggest issue is that resources are limited and it can be difficult to source materials, plant machinery & subcontractors and any deliveries to site take a minimum of 5 days.
For this particular site we ordered all materials in advance which meant our engineers had everything required for the build before they travelled to the island. Transporting the pole and cabinet was the next big challenge, this is something that Arqiva usually arrange, however we engaged Northward Ltd to do this for us and they also had a hi-ab on the island so were able to land both the pole and cabinet for us when the time came.
We usually do the civil works for these sites ourselves however sourcing the various plant for this job proved difficult as there were only limited machines available. We engaged Andrew Sinclair Ltd for these works and they carried out the excavations and concrete pour. We re-attended site the following week to land the pole and give the DNO access to the cabinet to complete the jointing, Andrew Sinclair were also on-site to complete the backfill and tar re-instatement. All works were complete in time, within budget and with no issues.
“We were happy to engage with HF on their first SW pole build on the Orkneys, works were well co-ordinated and ran smoothly, not always the case when resource and plant are limited, job well done.”
Brief project description: HF Comms were engaged by our client to upgrade an existing mobile phone communication tower in a remote part of Wales. Our scope of work was to install a 3 face headframe on an existing Arqiva asset replacing existing technology and enabling future growth and upgrade works.
Project Challenges: The remoteness and rural location meant that access to the site was considered difficult. The access route chosen by the site provider meant that should we use typical methods of access equipment such as trackway then significant damage over a large area would have been caused and the cost would have been high. To overcome this, we employed a specialist tracked crane to negotiate the steep terrain whilst causing minimal damage to the land. The method employed to deliver this site brought the following benefits;
– Cost saving of £25k to the client
– Minimal damage to site during access
– Accelerated Project Delivery
– Minimal outage / downtime of client asset / technology
– No requirement for a temporary tower
– Site Provider happy with time on site, end result and reinstatement
Brief project description: Complete site build, including civil works, incorporating fencing, concrete plinth, electrical works and cable ducts.
Installation of a new 12.5m non-standard Hutchinson telegraph pole with antennas at 11.5m and dish at 9.2m. Installation of Blenheim and Link A/C cabinets on new concrete plinths.
Project Challenges: The biggest challenge we had with this project was the access route. The only vehicular route to site was via a steep and narrow track, which incorporated a bridge with a 3 ton weight limit. We overcame this challenge with the use of multiple helicopter lifts from a drop-off point close to the site location.
An additional challenge encountered was an active and prestigious shooting estate being in close proximity to the proposed site location. Our access was actually through the estate, therefore all movement to and from the site had to be coordinated in conjunction with the shooting estate management. We had a short window, when shooting was not taking place, to enable us to carry out our work.
The high-level plan of works was as follows:
Track machine to site suitable to excavate site and stand pole.
Helicopter materials to site, including the Hutchinson telegraph pole and cabinets
3 Helicopter lifts (1 for materials, 1 for concrete, 1 for pole)
Stand pole
Complete site
Track machine back out
Posted on January 22nd, 2019 in
CTIL – Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, England
Brief project description: Complete site build, including civil works incorporating fencing, concrete base, electrical works and cable ducts.
Installation of a new 20m Hutchinson tower with 2No SHF 0.6M HP dishes at 18.7m and 3No Kathrein antennas, also at 18.7m, with associated MHAs, cable trays and feeders. Also included was the installation of 1No Ericsson RBS outdoor cabinet and 1No Alifabs meter cabinet.
Project Challenges: The biggest challenge faced was access into the Northern Gas site. Although an Arqiva project, the site was owned by Northern Gas. Full supervision would be required for each daily task, however Northern Gas did not have the available resources to commit to daily supervision.
After a PSM, it was agreed that if we fenced off the area with Herras fencing, we could claim this land as Arqiva’s. We could then build a permanent fence, thus ensuring supervision would not be required within the compound for the civils works and for the tower build, as per the design.
Another challenge encountered was the access track for delivery of the tower. This was frequently used as a bridle-path. Full safety barriers had to be in place, and all parties were required to recognise that works would have to stop to allow horses and their riders to pass.
Furthermore, the crane could not park on this access track.
We had to explore other options to allow a crane lift:
If we used the access track, we would need notice to block off the path
If we used the nearby field, we would need to arrange access with a third party
If we used a normal 40-ton crane, we would need matting and trackway in the compound owned by Northern Gas, which was not accepted
HF were able to get a slimmer, tracked crane to be used within the Arqiva owned compound, thus negating the requirement for trackway. Subsequently, the costs and time constraints associated with the utilisation of trackway did not apply.
The installation was completed on time and within budget
HF completed the installation of generators & UPS units to provide back-up power at 4Nr TV transmission masts in areas of Northern Scotland including Islay, Skye and North Uist.
Arqiva provide much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK. The BBC, ITV and BSkyB, as well as independent radio groups, depend on Arqiva to keep them connected to their customers. They also provide the connectivity for leading UK mobile network operators and many emergency services operators. For more info on Arqiva visit their website – www.arqiva.com
Posted on February 1st, 2017 in
Sanday Radio Station (WIG), Orkneys, Scotland – 2G/3G/4G Telecoms Upgrade (Darwin)
HF Comms complete telecomms upgrade on a WIG site in the remote Orkney Islands that refreshes the 2G/3G existing services and introduces 4G to the residents of the island on behalf of EE (Everything Everywhere).
Project Challenges Overcame: Projects such as this are second nature to HF Comms, however working on remote islands always brings new challenges. This project was passed to HF Comms to build without ever being to the site. Our main challenges were to coordinate our engineers, accommodation, civil work, deliveries and on site issues with minimum disruption. We decided that couriers were not going to be reliable and due to location it would make sense for our civils team to deliver all kit to site, which happened without any problems. With the site being remote it was incredibly hard to locate subcontractors to complete the works. HF Skilled riggers worked through bad weather by prioritising certain works around the elements. We are glad to report all was overcome and the site was built on time. 4G is now provided to the residents. This was one of the first builds we completed for the client and following this we now undertake the account for them.
Customer Quotes:
“We recently choose HF Comms as one of our preferred suppliers to assist Wireless infrastructure Group roll-out mobile communication networks on behalf of our customers, the first sites we allocated were spread across the Orkney Islands which was a challenge itself, HF Comms proved they were a able to plan and execute the deployment with their extremely skill teams, Three sites were delivered on three different Islands in two weeks, it was a pleasure dealing with the team and the works seemed effortless, we look forward to working with HF Comms in the future.”
A bit about WIG – Wireless Infrastructure Group is an independent infrastructure company. They build and operate communication towers and other wireless infrastructure to enable the connection between networks and the communities that rely on their services. WIG operates a network of over 2,000 shared communication infrastructure assets covering the breadth of the UK and have recently started operations in Republic of Ireland and Netherlands. For more about WIG click here
Posted on February 1st, 2017 in
Upgrade to LTE for H3G across the UK
Client: Arqiva, Winchester, England, UK Project length: On Going 600 Sites Completed Project value: £6m Completion date: On Going HF divisions involved:Comms
Over the last 2 years HF Comms have been working hand in hand with Arqiva to install LTE for Three across Arqiva’s network of sites. HF Comms involvement in this project has been the installation of 800MHz and/or 1800MHZ 4G telecoms equipment on over 600 of these sites across the UK, and we even had the honour of completing the build of the 1,000th site on this project for Arqiva back in 2015.
Project Challenges overcame: Like all telecoms projects we are extremely susceptible to the elements and the two winters during this project have not been kind.
We have experienced flooding in Cumbria, Japanese Knotweed around pylons, pirate radio on towers and enough seagulls on BT rooftops to make Hitchcock cry.
Regardless of these, all we have come through it all and continue to learn some valuable lessons along the way.
A bit about Arqiva – Arqiva is a leading UK communications infrastructure company. They are an independent provider of telecom towers that own and operate more than than 8,000 active sites through out the UK. Arqiva are the only national provider of terrestrial television and radio broadcasting, and work with clients such as BT-EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three to independent radio groups and major broadcasters, such as the BBC, ITV, Sky, Turner and CANAL+ to utility companies such as Thames Water.
HF Comms are very proud to have been involved with Arqiva and feel privileged to have been involved in the delivery of so many groundbreaking projects over the years.
