Deploying 5G (SA): Key Challenges for MNO’s

With the advent of 5G Standalone (SA), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are entering a pivotal phase that demands critical decisions and substantial infrastructure investments. This next-generation technology brings a highly complex environment, requiring faster rollouts while maintaining key aspects like network quality, reliability, availability, and security—all while striving to keep operational costs low.

However, the complexity of 5G SA presents significant challenges, particularly because many MNOs have outsourced core infrastructure functions to subcontractors over the years. As a result, there is often a shortage of internal expertise and fewer resources to manage and maintain these advanced networks. Subcontractors, in turn, face their own hurdles, such as reliance on MNOs for timely permits to carry out maintenance and ensuring the safety of their engineers at cell tower sites.

Key Challenges for MNOs:

• Reducing maintenance and change management costs: Expanding networks with 5G must be cost-efficient.
• Improving operational efficiency: Network expansion should not result in a steep rise in operational costs.
• Minimizing errors: An automated permit management platform can prevent operational mistakes.
• Ensuring engineer safety: Providing secure and well-managed work conditions for engineers at maintenance sites.
• Enhancing network control: MNOs need more direct oversight of their infrastructure and operations.

To address these challenges, Group 2000 has developed LIMA Maintenance and Permit Management (MPM), an automated, process-driven solution that simplifies and optimizes the maintenance of cell towers and the associated change management process.

Lawful Interception in 5G SA Networks

The deployment of 5G Standalone also introduces new regulatory considerations, especially regarding Lawful Interception (LI). Country-specific regulations significantly impact how MNOs design and deploy their 5G infrastructure. In the 5G era, new requirements for lawful interception—such as virtual-based solutions, identity lookup, and s8 Home Routing—necessitate adaptations to meet legal standards.

5G’s rich feature set and exponentially larger number of connected devices introduce further complexity. Devices ranging from smartwatches to autonomous cars could become targets for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and MNOs must ensure that they can legally intercept and hand over data from these devices. Traditional LI solutions are insufficient, as not all traffic passes through the core network, making interception more challenging.

With the entirely new architecture of 5G and the surge in connected devices and associated data traffic, MNOs must adopt an LI function specifically designed for 5G networks to remain compliant with country-specific regulations.

Group 2000’s Expertise in Lawful Interception for 5G SA

Group 2000, with over 40 years of experience in the legal compliance sector, understands that MNOs do not gain direct financial benefits from installing and maintaining LI platforms. However, compliance is mandatory, and the company’s expertise ensures a smooth transition to fully compliant 5G LI platforms. Group 2000 offers:

• Custom-made workflows: Tailored to each client’s operational methods, ensuring seamless integration with 5G architecture.
• Flexible, future-proof platforms: LIMA, their proven LI platform, is built on modern, container-based architecture, allowing easy updates and scalability.
• Comprehensive compliance solutions: Full auditing, logging, and reporting functions meet the most stringent legal requirements.
• A trusted partner in legal compliance: As one of the largest IT security companies in this domain, Group 2000 has established long-term partnerships with some of the top 20 MNOs globally.

Group 2000’s approach is to co-create and innovate with their clients, ensuring their LI platforms are not only compliant but also future-proof, adapting to the rapidly evolving 5G landscape.