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Backhaul (network) meaning
What does Backhaul (network) mean?
In telecoms contracts and regulatory materials, backhaul (network) describes the links that carry traffic from local access points (for example, mobile masts, street cabinets, or submarine cable landing stations) to an operator’s core network or point of presence (PoP). It is an industry term rather than a statutory definition, though it is used by Ofcom and ComReg in market reviews, spectrum licence conditions and wholesale access obligations.
Backhaul commonly connects distributed access or aggregation nodes (eg wireless base stations to mobile core controllers, DSLAMs to Ethernet aggregation switches, or a landing station to the main terrestrial network). Technologies include fibre (lit services and dark fibre), Ethernet/IP/MPLS, microwave and millimetre‑wave radio, and legacy xDSL or SDH. In mobile networks it may overlap with fronthaul/midhaul in 4G/5G architectures.
Legally, backhaul is significant for: wholesale backhaul/leased line products, SMP remedies and price controls, access to ducts and poles, Electronic Communications Code wayleaves and site agreements, spectrum licensing for radio backhaul, security and resilience obligations, and service levels (capacity, latency, redundancy).
Usage and meaning are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, subject to differences in Ofcom/ComReg decisions and guidance.
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View the related Practice Notes about Backhaul (network)
PRACTICE NOTES
CMA phase 2 merger review: BT's acquisition of EE – UK telecoms vertical and horizontal effects assessed; unconditional clearance; no substantial lessening of competition (2016)
CASE HUB ARCHIVED – this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the decision of 15 January 2016; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline, commentary and related cases. Case facts Outline UK merger inquiry into BT Group plc’s proposed acquisition of EE Limited. The deal features horizontal overlaps and other non-horizontal matters within the telecommunications industry. Latest developments On 15 January 2016, the CMA cleared the merger without conditions, endorsing its provisional conclusions. Parties BT Group plc (BT). BT is a UK-based business and the largest provider of fixed communications services nationwide. It also operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). BT supplies numerous fixed services to other communications providers, including mobile backhaul for mobile operators (such as EE, O2, Three and Vodafone), linking radio masts to their core networks. BT also delivers wholesale broadband to communications providers (including EE). BT’s Openreach unit, regulated by Ofcom, is the local access network (the ‘first mile’) connecting customers to...
21 May
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PRACTICE NOTES
CMA Phase 2 clears Liberty Global/Telefónica JV (Virgin Media–O2) unconditionally; vertical foreclosure in MVNO access and leased lines backhaul rejected (May 2021, UK)
CASE HUB Archived This archived case hub captures the position as at the decision date of 20 May 2021; it is not being maintained. See further, timeline. Case facts Outline UK merger review of the proposed joint venture between Liberty Global plc and Telefónica S.A to combine their UK operations, Virgin Media/Virgin Mobile and O2. The parties both provide wholesale services to other UK mobile network operators. Latest developments On 20 May 2021, the CMA issued its final report, clearing the deal unconditionally after a detailed phase 2 investigation. Parties Liberty Global plc (Liberty) owns Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile in the UK. Telefónica S.A. (Telefónica) owns O2 in the UK. Background Announced on 7 May 2020, Liberty and Telefónica will create a 50:50 joint venture, to which each will contribute their UK businesses-Virgin Media (including Virgin Mobile) and O2 respectively. The transaction met the EU Merger Regulation notification thresholds, and a filing was made to...
27 May
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