AWTG is proud to have led the SCONDA (Small Cells ORAN in Dense Areas) Project, a groundbreaking initiative that successfully integrated Open RAN (ORAN) and traditional RAN (Radio Access Network) technologies in high-density, high-demand urban environments. This world-first project addressed the unique technical and commercial challenges of providing robust connectivity in areas where mobile data demand is at its peak. By combining ORAN and traditional RAN systems, the SCONDA project not only enhanced mobile network performance but also redefined how operators manage network traffic in busy urban centers like Glasgow City Centre.
Supported by industry leaders such as Three, Freshwave Group, Accenture, the University of Surrey, Mavenir, the University of Glasgow, the Scotland 5G Centre, and PI Works, the SCONDA project has made significant advancements in mobile network technology which was highly commended at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress 2025. One of the key outcomes of this initiative is the substantial improvement in network performance in high-density urban areas. Through small cell densification, the project alleviated traffic congestion on macro networks, boosting capacity and delivering faster, more reliable mobile services. In Glasgow, where the demand for data is constantly increasing, this enhancement has proven to be a critical solution to network congestion, ensuring seamless connectivity even during peak times.
Another major achievement of the SCONDA project is the automation of network management. By integrating ORAN into the live network, the project enabled real-time network performance monitoring and optimization. This automation reduced the need for manual interventions, making the management of live traffic in dense urban environments much more efficient. Network operators can now respond dynamically to shifting demands, optimizing coverage and capacity across the city. This approach sets the stage for future advancements in network management, ensuring that urban networks remain adaptable and resilient as mobile data traffic continues to grow.
Sustainability was also a central focus of the SCONDA project. The use of small cells and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) provided a more power-efficient way to enhance network coverage and capacity. This not only reduced energy consumption but also supported the environmental goals of mobile operators by lowering the carbon footprint of network infrastructure. By demonstrating that small cells can be deployed in dense urban areas with minimal energy use, the SCONDA project offered a model for greener, more sustainable network expansion in cities worldwide.
The SCONDA project played a crucial role in supporting the rollout of 5G and future mobile technologies. By successfully integrating ORAN into the live network, the project laid the foundation for the dense, efficient network architectures required by 5G and beyond. This innovative approach helps drive the evolution of mobile networks, ensuring they can handle the growing demand for data and support emerging technologies such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The SCONDA project is not just a step forward for Glasgow, but a model for the future of urban connectivity worldwide, showcasing the potential of OpenRAN to transform how mobile networks are built and managed.
Through the completion of the SCONDA project, AWTG has demonstrated leadership in mobile network innovation, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and scalable network infrastructures. By addressing key challenges in high-density urban areas, the project has set the stage for the next generation of mobile connectivity, ensuring that future cities can meet the ever-increasing demand for mobile data.