CORE HDD
The CORE HDD (Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem for High Demand Density) project is a pioneering programme backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), focused on proving that Open RAN technology can deliver high-performance connectivity in dense, urban, and complex real-world environments.
Led by AWTG as the principal partner, the project brought together local authorities, universities, neutral hosts, and technology innovators to deploy and validate a multi-vendor Open RAN ecosystem within Cambridgeshire. Unlike many Open RAN trials that focus on lab environments or rural areas, CORE HDD tested capabilities in high traffic, high-density locations, such as public venues, campuses, and city infrastructure where the demand for throughput, reliability, and interoperability is at its peak. Through extensive testing of RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC), vendor-neutral Radio Units, and orchestration layers, the project explored how Open RAN can meet the evolving needs of urban infrastructure while improving diversity, flexibility, and cost-efficiency within the UK telecom supply chain.
Project Partners
CORE HDD has proven that Open RAN is not only viable but valuable in high-density, performance-critical environments. The results of the project will help shape national policy, procurement strategy, and commercial deployments ensuring the UK telecom ecosystem is both future-ready and strategically independent. By leading this initiative, AWTG continues to drive forward a new standard for flexible, interoperable, and intelligent networks that meet the demands of modern cities and public services.
Project Status
As of mid-2025, the CORE HDD project has successfully completed its core deployment and testing phases. The project achieved full multi-vendor Open RAN integration across live urban testbeds in Cambridgeshire, demonstrating seamless interoperability and robust network performance under high-traffic, real-world conditions. It validated the technical readiness of Open RAN to support dense city environments, with benchmarking of throughput, latency, and service continuity across dynamic and complex usage scenarios.
The project also delivered advanced orchestration and automation capabilities, deploying RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC) and network optimisation tools to enhance spectrum efficiency, energy performance, and adaptive traffic management. CORE HDD further demonstrated a fully functioning neutral host model, allowing shared infrastructure use across public venues and smart city environments supporting both public and private network needs. Results and technical outcomes were shared with DSIT and industry stakeholders to inform future Open RAN strategy, policy frameworks, and commercial readiness across the UK.
Awards
Delivering Impact
As Consortium Lead, AWTG played a pivotal role in designing, deploying, and validating the full-stack Open RAN architecture across urban environments. The company’s contributions helped establish a scalable, replicable blueprint for Open RAN deployment in high-demand areas, reinforcing UK leadership in network diversification and telecom innovation. CORE HDD exemplifies AWTG’s ongoing commitment to building sovereign, interoperable network infrastructure that strengthens the UK's digital future.
