Point to multipoint radio in the British Telecom network

The authors address the issues encountered when operating a telecommunications network in a UK rural environment. Some of the difficulties encountered are similar to those experienced in other parts of the world. To provide expedient and cost-effective solutions to the rural communications problems, the use of microwave radio systems has been considered. Trials of such systems have helped in formulating a system definition requirement. From the extensive case studies of rural network problems, it has been concluded that an overlay network of multipoint radio systems will result in an effective way of providing telephony service quickly, to customers which are difficult to serve by conventional means. Tenders for the supply of multipoint systems have been invited and these will be judged against a number of important technical and operational requirements identified from previous field trials