With the global construction sector estimated to reach an annual output of £13tn by 2030, Mick Goulding, commercial director at Cellnex UK, explores how wireless connectivity can shape the industry’s future, with 5G private networks, Open RAN and IoT playing a key role in boosting productivity and meeting increasing demand
The latest figures on Construction Output in the UK show that the rate of growth in Q3 this year is at the lowest level since October 2021, yet there is still a distinct demand for new infrastructure work, with an increase of 5.3%. Digital connectivity could be the key to closing the output gap, increasing productivity and propelling growth within the industry.
Wireless connectivity has become a defining feature of the 21st century, with Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities all relying on connectivity for digital transformation to support economic, social and environmental advancement. There is real opportunity for the construction sector to capitalise on this digital progress to enhance their processes, with RICS latest Digitalisation in Construction Report highlighting that digitalisation will be the industry’s key growth enabler.
5G networks, Open RAN, IoT and technologies can advance the construction industry
A combination of private 5G networks, Open RAN, IoT and technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics can advance the way that the sector designs, builds and manages projects. Use cases for private networks and IoT can range from automation, asset tracking and real-time data analytics to increase efficiency and boost revenues, to worker health monitoring and remote operations to minimise the risk of on-site accidents.
Open RAN also presents significant opportunities for growth in construction, as it enables network access for multiple construction site stakeholders, such as architects, contractors and builders.
It additionally creates scope for network slicing, in instances where users have different bandwidth requirements based on their role. Use cases such as these will enable more activity to take place simultaneously, making it easier for construction firms to meet growing demand.
Accelerating industry adoption of 5G networks
In October 2022, Cellnex UK and Ferrovial announced a partnership which aims to deepen the implementation of 5G networks in both the construction and transport industries. The partnership aims to demonstrate the transformative benefits of digital connectivity to the industry, its partners, and the UK population as a whole, with the hope of accelerating the development of a sustainable infrastructure.
The project will allow start-ups and innovative small businesses to help shape the future of the construction industry, as the solutions will create an environment with the capacity to enable the use of technologies that couldn’t be used previously.
The industry must embrace digital transformation to boost growth
Open RAN will play a crucial role in the project and will be used to create and design networks around the specific needs of construction sites. In a high-growth industry, working in a way that enables any device from any manufacturer to be connected is vital, and an Open RAN approach to wireless connectivity will allow the use of hardware equipment and software elements from different vendors, enabling optimal conditions for innovation and efficiency.
With the UK and the rest of Europe facing economic decline, there is more need than ever for industries to embrace digital transformation to boost productivity and growth. As demand for construction continues to stand at a high, increased adoption of wireless connectivity solutions presents vast opportunities for the sector to transform its operations and establish itself as a digital leader.
Mick Goulding
Commercial director
Cellnex UK
Tel: +44 (0)204 526 8553
