Antevia & Ontix team up on shared indoor 5G network

Antevia Networks and Ontix have partnered to deploy Multi-Operator Core Network technology for hybrid private and public mobile networks aimed at indoor and campus coverage.

The model uses shared radio infrastructure, allowing private mobile networks to operate alongside mobile network operator services on the same equipment. Antevia is supplying its radio access network technology, while Ontix is providing its Neutral Host Service Gateway, Nexus, and its service model.

The partnership addresses a longstanding problem in indoor mobile connectivity, where private network roll-outs and in-building coverage projects have often been constrained by cost, deployment complexity and the need for specialist integration. By combining a private 5G set-up with neutral host infrastructure, the partners aim to reduce the number of separate systems installed at a site.

How it works

MOCN allows a single set of indoor radios to serve multiple mobile operators at once. Under this structure, a building owner or venue can also use the same physical network for a private 5G system supporting operational applications such as industrial internet of things services, security, automation, payments and critical communications.

This differs from traditional in-building mobile projects, where operators may install separate equipment or a private network is built as a standalone system. The shared model is designed to reduce duplication in radio infrastructure and provide venues with a single layer for both visitor connectivity and internal services.

Antevia's platform is based on its 5G Shift system, which uses a cloud-based virtualised radio access network architecture built on O-RAN principles and commercial off-the-shelf hardware. Its multiplexing and shared cell technology allow multiple radios to operate as a single 5G cell, reducing handovers and lowering the amount of infrastructure needed.

According to Antevia, some deployments have required as little as one-tenth of the infrastructure needed for Wi-Fi. The system is also intended to simplify design, installation and operation for smaller businesses and venues that have often found private 5G too expensive or too complex to adopt.

Commercial push

The partnership also reflects a broader effort in the telecoms sector to make private mobile networks more accessible beyond large industrial groups and major transport hubs. While private 5G has drawn interest from manufacturers, logistics operators and site owners, adoption has remained uneven because of high upfront costs and the need to combine radio systems, spectrum access and core network functions.

Neutral host models have been one way to address poor indoor coverage, particularly in offices, campuses and public venues where mobile signals can be weak or inconsistent. Adding private network services to the same infrastructure could improve the economics for property owners and for operators seeking coverage without duplicating deployment costs.

Simon Cosgrove, Chief Executive of Antevia Networks, said the economics of indoor mobile coverage had remained a central obstacle for the sector. "In-building coverage has remained a stubborn problem for the mobile industry, and while solutions exist the economics of delivery has remained the blocker. In particular, the issue of 'who pays?' for the network," he said.

He said the shared model could change how those systems are funded and installed. "Our partnership with Ontix changes the economics, providing a clear path to solving the in-building challenge. MOCN-based neutral host means one shared radio layer for public and private networks resulting in fewer separate deployments and competing systems," Cosgrove said.

Chris Newall, Chief Executive of Ontix, said the model was intended for venues, campuses and enterprise sites that need both public mobile service and dedicated network functions. "For venues, campuses and enterprise environments, our approach creates a more practical route to high-performance indoor connectivity. One shared network layer can support public mobile access for visitors, staff and customers, while also enabling dedicated private 5G services for operational systems including IoT, security, automation, payments and critical communications," he said.