A Company Well Connected
HF Comms were appointed to upgrade an existing telecommunications site as part of one of the UK’s leading mobile network operators’ planned 5G rollout. The project formed a key part of the operator’s network enhancement programme, requiring careful planning and precise execution to ensure readiness for site activation.
The upgrade was delivered in two stages. Stage one involved the removal of legacy antennas, cabinets, and associated hardware to prepare the site for new technology. Stage two focused on the installation of brand-new 5G infrastructure, including new antennas, upgraded cabling, a new equipment cabinet, and a complete upgrade of the existing electrical works to support the increased power and performance requirements of 5G services.
As with all HF Comms projects, the installation was designed with the client’s operational and technical requirements at the forefront, ensuring compliance with industry standards while delivering a robust and future-proof solution.
The project presented several technical and logistical challenges. The upgrade required the deployment of three antennas, each comprising a combination of 4G and 5G technology. Due to this configuration, each antenna weighed approximately 140kg and measured around 2.3 metres in length. To safely accommodate this additional load, the existing structure required strengthening through the installation of additional steelwork.
Given the size and weight of the antennas, both a crane and a MEWP were used to lift and position the equipment safely. Temporary trackway was installed to allow safe access for plant and lifting equipment, as the site was accessed via a field. This required close liaison with the site provider to ensure the trackway could remain in place for the duration of the build without impacting the surrounding environment.
Through detailed planning and effective coordination, HF Comms successfully completed the upgrade on schedule and ahead of site activation, delivering a fully prepared 5G site ready to support next-generation mobile connectivity.
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.
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.
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100 Albert Drive
Glasgow, G41 2SJ
0800 783 9480
