As a part of network expansion and development, TMO identified a 5G upgrade (L2500/N2500 Anchor) needed on an existing site where equipment was located on an existing smokestack. According to mount analyzations, calculations indicated required replacements, meaning that existing sector mounts with old and new equipment had to be replaced with new sector mounts fixed on new two-level steel banding. Each level steel banding did consist of three separate parts, which had to be lifted one by one, temporarily fixed to the chimney body, then tightened with steel rods. While tightening steel banding to the permanent position, the most challenging was to align two levels on the conical chimney, so that the new sector mounts will be horizontally and vertically leveled as per specifications (no tilting allowed, since this would have impacted desired coverage area).

To execute the (L2500/N2500 Anchor) 5G upgrade it was required to completely shut down the site for 3 days, dismantle old sector mounts with equipment from the smokestack, install new two-level steel banding reinforcements and install new sector mounts with equipment back to service. In order to do this one of the crew members was continuously working on controlled descend ropes while another crew member was on the crane man basket. Once the reinforcement was installed ensuring proper level and direction, 3 new sector mounts were installed by crane rigging and integration.

Rullex partnered with T-Mobile and successfully completed a high-quality (L2500/N2500 Anchor) 5G upgrade in Upstate New York with all materials and supplies. The complete build E2E took 7 days and the closeout package was delivered before TMO’s deadline.

Implementing a 5G upgrade required the installation of new equipment and a complete sector mounts swap due to increased mounts load at 340' on a guyed tower. Due to the site terrain, it was impossible to utilize a crane. In most cases, it means that the old equipment must be shut down for the duration of the installation process. In our situation, the tower covered a large area being the only source of connectivity for many people. Shutting it down means temporarily leaving a vast area without any cell service.

In our case, AT&T's installation requirements were:
- Swap the existing sector mounts while simultaneously keeping all three sectors LTE700 alive during the sector mounts swap.

This was a truly challenging task due to the elevation of work at 340', existing sector mounts welded to the tower, no crane access, winter weather conditions, no headroom above us, other carrier's equipment right below us, and guyed wires around the tower.

- Rullex offered a temporary solution to keep LTE700 alive. It meant we had to relocate the LTE700 radios and antennas to the lower part of the tower, reconnect them to existing power and fiber trunks. This way, the AT&T cell signal service remains active while Rullex transfers everything onto the new sector mounts.

- To replace the existing sector mounts, Rullex performed a stick-built technique. The existing welded sector mounts needed to be cut on the top of the tower. It meant that we had to dismantle and install each part of the equipment individually. All components needed to be lifted and installed separately without the opportunity to assemble all components prior to lifting.

These solutions ensured a seamless and smooth transition to 5G technology. People in the area were able to gain better connections without experiencing any interruptions. We avoided any negative customer experience during this process and delivered the task on time, without any delays.