2100MHz Introduction

Vodafone UK has 2x14.8MHz of 2100MHz spectrum allocated to them by the UK's telecommunications regulator, Ofcom. Originally used for 3G services, it is now being refarmed to 4G. In many cases, 4x4 MIMO is also used.

The Spectrum

Vodafone has 2x14.8MHz of 2100MHz spectrum, of which the downlink segment is shown.

The Spectrum: As 3G

The 2100MHz was used for up to three 3G carriers: UARRFCNs 10687, 10712, 10736.

The Spectrum: 5MHz Refarm

Previously the first step to full 2100MHz refarm; the third 3G carrier is refarmed to 4G, producing EARFCN 372 of 5MHz.

The Spectrum: 10MHz Refarm

On sites in the VF zones this was the second step towards full refarm; the second 3G carrier is refarmed alongside the third to provide 4G carrier EARFCN 347 of 10MHz. However, in TEF Nokia and VF zones this has typically become the frst step. In TEF E///, while 10MHz refarm is the first step, the first and second 3G carriers are refarmed for EARFCN 299.

The Spectrum: Full Refarm

The third and final step. The first carrier is refarmed ontop of the second and third, migrating all of the 2100MHz spectrum from 3G to 4G. Much of the network, especially in the urban West, operates in this configuration.

A fully refarmed 2100MHz mast with 4T4R

A mast with fully refarmed 2100MHz and 4T4R using a pair of Ericsson Radio System Remote Radio Units per sector.

The Mast's Upgrade

The Mast's Upgrade from Ericsson RRUS12 and 3G 2100MHz to Ericsson Radio System and 4G 2100MHz. Likely using Radio 2212 or 2217 RRUs.

Refarm to dual Ericsson RUS site

These sites have doubled up RUS radios [four] per sector so have enough bandwidth to do full 15MHz refarm alongside O2's spectrum (MORAN).

Refarm on single RUS site

With only 20MHz OBW, these sites only support 10MHz of spectrum used for Vodafone as 10MHz for O2.

Performance of 4G 2100MHz

Performance of the fully refarmed 2100MHz can be very good, and provides a significant boost when aggregated with another carrier, such as 2600MHz or 800MHz.

1800MHz Introduction

Vodafone UK has 2x5.8MHz of 1800MHz spectrum allocated to them by the UK's telecommunications regulator, Ofcom. Originally used for 2G services, it is now being refarmed to 4G. It is used primarily in very high load location.

The Spectrum

Vodafone has 2x5.8MHz of 2100MHz spectrum, of which the downlink segment is shown.

The Spectrum: As 2G

Vodafone UK's 1800MHz spectrum as 2G. It used to be deployed to add 2G voice capacity.

The Spectrum: As 4G

Vodafone UK's 1800MHz spectrum as 4G.

A performance example from Brighton

Vodafone UK's 1800MHz spectrum as 4G.