- Vicinity Technologies is advancing customisable 5G base stations and user terminals, tailored for both public and private networks.
- With funding from the UK Space Agency, the company is developing next-generation NTN user terminals for rural and underserved areas.
- Vicinity’s software-defined radio strategy enhances interoperability and flexibility across various deployment scenarios.
Victor Kwan is a seasoned wireless physical layer design expert with over 15 years of experience in developing, simulating, and modelling 4G and 5G base station technologies. As Senior Vice President at Vicinity Technologies, he leads a high-performing system design team responsible for building innovative 5G features for emerging applications. Victor Kwan holds 33 filed US patents and has authored 21 publications in IEEE journals and conferences. He is also recognised for his leadership in client coordination and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring advanced wireless solutions are effectively aligned with customer needs.
BTW Media’s Fei sat down with Victor Kwan at Connected North 2025 to discuss Vicinity Technologies’ innovative approach to 5G development, particularly its customised base station and user terminal solutions, and the firm’s pioneering role in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) with support from the UK Space Agency.
Also read: Connected North 2025: Delivering the north’s connected future
Q1: What are the biggest challenges in designing 5G base stations and user terminals, and how does Vicinity Technologies address them?
When asked about the biggest challenges in designing 5G base stations and user terminals, Victor Kwan spoke candidly about the complexities introduced by application diversity. From dense urban centres to isolated rural communities, the demands placed on 5G systems are anything but uniform.
“Adaptability and scalability are key,” he explained. “Our core competence is providing software-defined solutions for 5G base stations and user terminals. This allows us to customise easily for different use cases and ensures scalability.”
Victor Kwan described how Vicinity’s software-defined radio (SDR) approach empowers the company to meet varied network requirements. Whether deploying compact units in high-density industrial areas or establishing high-power stations for rural regions, the flexibility of SDR remains at the heart of their strategy.
Q2: How are Vicinity’s 5G solutions customised for different applications?
On the topic of customisation, Victor Kwan lit up with examples. Vicinity’s solutions, he noted, are not only technically versatile but also purpose-built for real-world application.
“We can provide a solution that covers up to 1.5 kilometres cell radius in rural areas,” he shared, highlighting its value for smart farming and autonomous agricultural vehicles. “Everything is smart now—even the tractor needs a reliable connection.” The company’s offerings extend from smart factory integration requiring ultra-low latency, to wide-area coverage solutions that support agricultural villages and holiday parks.
Also read: Interview with Stephen Bridge, CCO at Enigma Net: SD-WAN strategy and smart connectivity
Q3: Why is integration with third-party equipment crucial, and how does Vicinity ensure interoperability?
Fei turned the conversation to integration—an area often glossed over, but vital to commercial success. Victor Kwan didn’t hesitate. “We make sure our solutions are flexible and integration-ready for deployment across diverse infrastructure ecosystems,” he said.
With some customers opting to use Vicinity’s radios while maintaining different core network vendors, ensuring seamless interoperability is a priority. To that end, Vicinity adheres strictly to 3GPP and Orange standards, and invests heavily in integration testing.
Q4: Can you elaborate on the partnership with the UK Space Agency and the progress of your NTN project?
Talk turned to the stars—literally—as Victor Kwan discussed the company’s collaboration with the UK Space Agency. A major new project is underway to develop a next-generation user terminal solution for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), designed in partnership with a UK chip vendor.
“We are building a fully UK-based user terminal solution that will serve different LEO satellite operators,” Wai explained, noting that the project is still in its early design phase. A proof-of-concept, already showcased at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, stands as a promising indicator. The solution will be tailored to the bandwidth and operational needs of diverse satellite operators, thanks to ongoing industry consultations.
Q5: What is the long-term vision for NTN, and how does it fit into future 5G and 6G networks?
As the discussion drew to the future, Victor Kwan’s conviction deepened. For him, NTN is more than a technical frontier—it’s a foundational pillar of what lies beyond 5G. “The NTN solution is very important for 5G, and it is also a main focus for 6G,” he asserted. “It will provide coverage where traditional networks cannot reach.”
Vicinity’s VGPP-compliant, software-based architecture allows for swift adaptation to a new generation of satellite constellations. As Victor Kwan sees it, these are the building blocks for the next wave of connectivity.
Vicinity Technologies stands at the forefront of flexible, software-based 5G solutions. Their ability to integrate with third-party systems while maintaining compliance with industry standards positions them as a key player in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial network development. With strategic UK-based partnerships and government support, their work promises to enhance connectivity in the most remote corners of the globe.
As rural digitisation and Industry 4.0 accelerate, Vicinity’s solutions are poised to be instrumental in bridging the digital divide. Their work with NTN technologies not only meets present needs but anticipates future demands in global telecommunications.
