Vodafone Uses Satellites to Help Align Mobile Network Antennas

One of the problems that UK mobile network operators, like Vodafone (VodafoneThree), often have to contend with is the issue of ensuring that their land-based 4G and 5G (mobile broadband) antennas are precisely positioned in order to deliver the best signal. But satellite guided sensors are now being tested to help change that.

A failure to keep antennas perfectly aligned, which most often occurs due to things like strong storms or seismic activity, can disrupt the connection quality and thus its performance. In response to this, Vodafone has now become one of the first commercial mobile operators to deploy satellite guided sensors, which are being built into new radio antennas located on top of mobile masts.

The new sensors work by collecting GPS-based location information from modules installed at different points on the antenna, together with other performance data. In turn, these sensors quickly relay details of the antenna’s alignment back to one of Vodafone’s network operations centres, enabling its engineers to either automatically reposition the antenna or perform a site visit for manual correction.

In theory, this approach – supported by hardware vendors via a new standard industry protocol – could help to “eliminate areas with no coverage and lead to faster data speeds, more responsive connections, and fewer dropped calls“, said Vodafone. Not to mention the usual cost savings from not having to make so many site visits.

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, said:

“As smartphones pack in ever more functionality, network precision is key. Antenna alignment is now one of the most critical aspects when it comes to installing and maintaining high-performing mobile networks. By integrating sensors into new radio antennas, we can more easily fine-tune our radios to give customers the optimal signal quality.”

The solution will initially be rolled out in Albania from September 2025, before extending to other countries like the UK and beyond. The innovation, which is part of Vodafone’s wider ‘Network as a Sensor‘ programme (this has already turned their network into a rain sensor), could eventually also be used to dynamically control the position of radio antennas to match demand (e.g. serving commuters on the move, sports fans at stadiums or music festival goers).