We’re pleased to share that Real Wireless has been recognised at this year’s Future Networks Awards, receiving the Shared Infrastructure Advancement Award for our work on Spectrum Sandbox. The award was presented at Connected Reflections Live, an event organised by DSIT and UKTIN to highlight innovation across the Future Network Programmes.
Supporting shared infrastructure through Spectrum Sandbox
Our Spectrum Sandbox project, part of the UK’s Spectrum Sandbox programme, focuses on understanding how Wi-Fi and mobile networks can share the same spectrum in the same overlapping areas. This includes practical field testing of an innovative solution, network simulation, and regulatory engagement to explore how spectrum can be better utilised without impacting performance.
The field trials results were conducted in the upper 6 GHz band and we evaluated the potential for shared use of spectrum between mobile and Wi-Fi deployments in an overlapping geographical area. The purpose of the trial was to evaluate service degradation and tested suitability of the cross-technology signalling (XTS), as a means to enhance sensing and detect when service areas of two systems are not sufficiently separated and trigger interference mitigation mechanisms. Initial results show that with the right implementation of XTS, 5G and Wi-Fi can coexist with minimal interference, providing a solid foundation for shared use of bands like upper 6 GHz. We have also tested the conditions for private networks to operate close to each other in the upper n77 band. These insights are already helping to inform discussions around dynamic spectrum sharing and licensing frameworks.
A collaborative effort
This recognition reflects the collaborative nature of the work. As the only industry-led consortium leading a sandbox, we’ve worked closely with partners including Qualcomm, Digital Catapult and Freshwave, as well as with DSIT and Ofcom, to bring together technical research and evidence for developing an implementation strategy and policy directions.
We’re particularly proud that the project is contributing not just within the UK, but also to wider conversations around international spectrum harmonisation. Our field trials were able to provide some useful input to the discussions in CEPT.
Dr. Abhaya Sumanasena, Project lead and Head of Policy and Regulation, Real Wireless said “We’re honoured to receive the Shared Infrastructure Advancement Award for Spectrum Sandbox project. This recognition reinforces the value of bringing together technical innovation and policy insight to address real-world spectrum challenges. It’s a testament to the hard work of our team and partners, and a clear signal that collaborative, industry-led initiatives have a vital role to play in shaping future spectrum policy and infrastructure.”
Tom Bennett, CTO of Freshwave, said: “Efficient spectrum use isn’t just a technical goal – it’s an economic imperative. By unlocking more value from the same spectrum bands, we open the door to wider deployment of advanced wireless technologies, especially in high-demand environments like cities and industrial hubs. The insights from this project have the potential to accelerate innovation, reduce barriers to adoption, and ultimately support long-term economic growth through smarter, more inclusive connectivity. We’re happy to have participated in the project and delighted the Real Wireless consortium has been recognised by this award.”
Dritan Kaleshi, Director of Technology – 5G and Digital Infrastructure, at Digital Catapult said: “Digital Catapult is proud to have contributed to the award-winning Spectrum Sandbox project led by Real Wireless. Leveraging our Open RAN outdoor testbed, we undertook rigorous field testing to evaluate cross-interference in shared spectrum environments and assess performance impacts across macro and micro-cellular layers. Our collaboration delivered valuable evidence on the coexistence potential of mobile networks in shared spectrum conditions, informing both national and international spectrum discussions. As spectrum becomes an increasingly scarce and strategic resource, projects like this are critical in advancing open future networks and shaping more efficient, future-ready infrastructure.”
Looking ahead
Moving forward, we’re focused on refining our models and supporting their transition into real-world applications. The aim is to provide flexible, scalable solutions that help address ongoing spectrum challenges – while enabling innovation, efficiency and growth in wireless networks.
We’re grateful to DSIT, Ofcom, and everyone involved in the Spectrum Sandbox programme. This recognition is a meaningful milestone, and we’re looking forward to building on this work in the months ahead.
