SkyTel™ Hyde Park

About the project

Nationwide Platforms supported two key initiatives: 

• Enhancing mobile network capacity at Killington Service Station 

• Providing temporary coverage for a major event at Hyde Park, London 

To meet these demands safely and efficiently, truck-mounted platforms were supplied. Each platform was fitted with Nationwide Platforms’ SkyTel™ antenna handling attachment. This is a best-practice innovation designed to support safe and precise antenna installation. 

The challenge

A new generation of broadcast antennas has been created to support faster mobile speeds and higher bandwidth. These advanced units are designed to house complex components such as: 

• Remote Radio Units (RRUs) 

• Mast Head Amplifiers (MHAs) 

• Active Antennas 

While these antennas meet modern performance demands, they are heavier and more difficult to handle than older models. This introduces new challenges for installation. This includes higher costs and increased manual handling risks. 

To reduce risks like heavy lifting and dropped objects, cranes are sometimes brought in. However, they bring their own issues: 

• High costs 

• Limited site space availability 

The solution

Nationwide Platforms worked with the telecoms industry to help solve this challenge. With its dedicated research and development division, BlueSky Solutions, they developed a solution. The solution was SkyTel™, a custom-built antenna handling device. Designed for use at height on powered access platforms, it makes antenna installation and removal safer and more efficient using powered access. 

On two key projects, SkyTel™ was used in different truck-mounted platform setups: 

• A 33-metre Ruthmann truck mount at Killington Services 

• A 38-metre Bronto truck mount at Hyde Park 

In both cases, SkyTel™ enabled the safe and efficient installation of antennas weighing up to 150kg. 

Key benefits: 

• Reduced manual handling, improving operator safety 

• Fewer riggers needed in the basket during installation 

• Eliminated the need for cranes, lowering costs and simplifying logistics 

• Ideal for tight sites, where there's no room for both a crane and an access platform 

SkyTel™ also allows precise antenna positioning, thanks to: 

• 270° rotation 

• 200mm radius adjustment 

• A lightweight aluminium chain block for smooth operation 

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SkyTel™ technical specifications and capabilities 

SkyTel™ was designed specifically to address the unique handling challenges posed by modern antennas. Its lightweight, high-strength aluminium frame keeps overall platform weight low, while still supporting antenna units weighing up to 150kg. 

The device features: 

• 270° rotation, allowing for flexible positioning without repositioning the platform 

• 200mm radius adjustment, giving fine control for precise alignment 

• A lightweight aluminium chain block, enabling smooth, controlled lifting and lowering 

SkyTel™ is designed to fit easily onto truck-mounted platforms like the 33m Ruthmann and 38m Bronto. It works smoothly with powered access equipment, allowing operators to work safely at height, even in tight or busy areas. It does this without needing cranes or large lifting tools. 

Its smart design means SkyTel™ does more than just meet industry needs. It offers a flexible solution that can be used in many telecom projects, from service stations to major public events.