Beltug responds to BIPT’s Consultation on neutral host solutions

Following the work of Beltug and other stakeholders on M-O DAS for indoor coverage in 2024, the BIPT launched a consultation on neutral host solutions. Beltug responded with a clear message: neutral host models can offer strategic value for improving indoor mobile coverage (especially for smaller venues) and ensuring ASTRID coverage. However, the models must remain voluntary and be supported by a flexible and transparent regulatory framework.

Beltug’s recommendations

In the consultation, BIPT asked stakeholders what it could or should do to support the adoption of neutral host models.

Beltug congratulates BIPT for its forward-thinking approach and remains committed to supporting its members and collaborating with the regulator to shape the future of indoor connectivity.

In response to the Consultation, Beltug provided a number of possible actions BIPT can take:

• Encourage multi-operator collaboration and cost-sharing
• Support multi-operator repeaters for smaller areas
• Clarify responsibilities among installers, operators and consultants
• Facilitate cross-sector dialogue and quality control
• Create a clear, simple deployment framework
• Monitor the ASTRID NextGenCom timeline, communicate proactively with the market, and take note of international best practices, especially from the UK, USA, and South Korea, which face similar challenges

Beltug also highlights that some of our members already offer full-spectrum coverage and do not require neutral host setups. For them, mandatory implementation would be counterproductive.

Spectrum reservation

Regarding spectrum reservation, members are cautiously optimistic but note several important considerations:

• The proposed 3.6 GHz band is incompatible with current ASTRID requirements
• ASTRID’s 5G transition may not occur until 2032, delaying synergies
• Both device compatibility and service reliability on limited bands remain uncertain