24-05-2025
Three UK network trial doubled Glasgow mobile speeds
Glasgow mobile users are enjoying significantly faster network speeds, thanks to the trial of Three UK's cutting-edge Open RAN project in the city centre.
The technology, which uses shoebox-sized small cells mounted on street furniture to improve network performance in busy areas, is now being spread throughout the city.
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Early results from the trial have shown major improvements, with 5G download speeds in some areas doubling from around 260Mbps to 520Mbps.
There has been an 89 per cent reduction in the number of hours where speeds dropped below 2Mbps.
These changes have led customer experience rankings in some areas to jump from third or fourth place all the way up to first.
The project is testing a technology called Open RAN, a new way of building mobile networks.
The innovative technology, which uses shoebox-sized small cells mounted on street furniture, is designed to boost mobile performance in high-demand urban areas.
Following the success of the trial, the technology is now being rolled out more widely across the city.
This Glasgow project set out to challenge that idea and prove that Open RAN can deliver strong performance in a busy location.
Glasgow was determined the perfect tester location due to being the fourth busiest city in the UK for mobile data use, with demand increasing by 243 per cent since 2021.
Iain Milligan, chief network officer at Three UK, said: "As a proud Glaswegian, I know just how important fast, reliable connectivity is to a city like this - whether it's businesses keeping ahead of the game, fans streaming the football, or students working on the go.
"The results from our Open RAN trial are really encouraging, showing we can improve speeds and ease congestion in busy areas.
"This has been a complex engineering project that's built a brand new type of mobile network from the ground up.
"Glasgow has played a key role in proving what this technology can do, and I'm excited to see how much this will benefit the people of the city.'
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Councillor Paul Leinster, chair of the Digital Glasgow Board, said: "We are pleased to see cutting-edge mobile technology being deployed in our city centre.
"This project not only promises to improve coverage and capacity of the mobile network for residents and visitors, but also supports the city's ongoing efforts to embrace innovation and enhance digital infrastructure.
"The improvements will have a real impact on commuters, businesses, and local communities, ensuring Glasgow remains at the forefront of technological development."
