Cellular telecommunications network

Abstract

The invention provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein the cellular telecommunications network comprises a first transceiver providing a first access connection in a first frequency spectrum range, and a second transceiver providing a second access connection in a second frequency spectrum range, the method comprising the steps of: determining that a trigger condition for reconfiguring the second transceiver has been fulfilled; and, in response, evaluating a plurality of candidate transition options, wherein each transition option comprises the steps of: a) transferring a user from the second frequency spectrum range to the first access connection, and b) reconfiguring the second transceiver after step a), wherein the evaluation is based on a user impact of the transition; selecting a transition option based on the evaluation; transferring the user from the second frequency spectrum range according to the selected transition option; and causing the second transceiver to be reconfigured according to the selected transition option.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cellular telecommunications networks. Background Technology

[0002] Cellular telecommunications networks include base stations that provide voice and data services to multiple user equipments (UEs) via wireless communication. The base station is located (at least partially) at a cell site, which also includes supporting infrastructure (such as power) for operating the base station. In traditional architectures, the cell site and base station are owned and operated by a single mobile network operator (MNO), and the base station is connected only to the MNO's core network. A base station typically includes antenna supports (e.g., antenna mast, antenna frame, or roof accessory), one or more antennas, and one or more controllers (e.g., a radio network controller (RNC)).

[0003] There are several ways in which MNOs can collaborate to share infrastructure. The most basic example of a shared MNO infrastructure, known as site sharing, is that physical cell sites are shared among MNOs, but each MNO retains ownership and control of the base station equipment (e.g., antenna masts, antennas, and controllers). Base station support equipment (e.g., power supplies) may or may not be shared among MNOs in a site-sharing arrangement. In another example of a shared MNO infrastructure, known as antenna mast sharing, the base station's antenna mast (or equivalent antenna support) is shared among MNOs, but each MNO retains ownership and control of the remaining base station equipment (antennas and controllers). Similarly, base station support equipment (e.g., power supplies) may or may not be shared among MNOs in an antenna mast sharing arrangement.

[0004] A more comprehensive form of shared MNO infrastructure is called a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN), in which cell sites, base station equipment, and base station support equipment are shared among MNOs. Base station equipment must be configured to communicate with UEs across all MNOs, such as by transmitting each operator's Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier in various signals, but must communicate within each MNO's dedicated spectrum range. Base station equipment must also be configured to direct traffic to the appropriate MNO's core network. A similar arrangement is called a Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), in which cell sites, base station equipment, and base station support equipment are again shared among MNOs, and shared spectrum ranges can also be used for communication with UEs from different MNOs.

[0005] Another alternative to shared infrastructure is that the cell sites, base stations, and base station support equipment are owned and / or managed by a third party, and one or more MNOs run on the third party's infrastructure. This is known as a "neutral host".

[0006] A challenge in modern cellular telecommunications networks is that MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) meet energy efficiency targets. These targets can put downward pressure on the maximum capacity and coverage that an MNO's base stations can provide. To address this, energy-saving mechanisms have been introduced, which allow base stations to enter an energy-saving mode (where most, if not all, operations are suspended). To ensure service continuity for UEs previously served by energy-saving base stations, UEs can be transferred to one or more neighboring base stations. Neighboring base stations can then adjust their coverage areas to provide service.

[0007] Some forms of base station reconfiguration (such as when switching from MORAN mode to MOCN mode) require periods of service interruption during which users receive poor or no service at all. This may involve base station rebooting. This can prevent mobile network operators from implementing changes within their networks. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein the cellular telecommunications network includes a first transceiver providing a first access connection in a first spectrum range and a second transceiver providing a second access connection in a second spectrum range, the method comprising the steps of: determining that a triggering condition for reconfiguring the second transceiver has been met; and, in response, evaluating a plurality of candidate transition options, wherein each transition option includes the steps of: a) transferring a user from the second spectrum range to the first access connection, and b) after step a), reconfiguring the second transceiver, wherein the evaluation is based on the user impact of the transition; selecting a transition option based on the evaluation; transferring a user from the second spectrum range according to the selected transition option; and reconfiguring the second transceiver according to the selected transition option.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, a network node is provided having a processor configured to perform the steps of the first aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To better understand the present invention, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the cellular telecommunications network of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a cellular telecommunications network that implements the method of the present invention with a first configuration;

[0014] Figure 3 It uses the second configuration. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cellular telecommunications network; and

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Now refer to Figure 1 A first embodiment of cellular telecommunications network 1 is described. Figure 1 A cell site 10 is shown, comprising an antenna mast 20 and a base station support device 30 (shown as a single unit, but may include several components such as a power supply, cooling unit, etc.). The cell site 10, antenna mast 20, and base station support device 30 are shared by a first mobile network operator (MNO) and a second MNO. The first MNO deploys a first base station 100 at the cell site, such that one or more transceivers are located on the antenna mast 20, and any processing equipment is located within the cell site 10 (and may utilize the base station support device 30). The second MNO also deploys a second base station 200 at the cell site 10, such that one or more transceivers for the second base station 200 are located on the antenna mast 20, and any processing equipment is located within the cell site 10 (again, this may utilize the base station support device 30). The processing equipment of both the first base station 100 and the second base station 200 may run on dedicated hardware or in a virtualized environment on a common hardware platform.

[0017] Figure 1 Neutral host site 40 is also shown. Neutral host site 40 has transmission connections to both the first base station 100 and the second base station 200, a first backhaul connection to the core network of the first MNO, and a second backhaul connection to the core network of the second MNO. These connections are typically fiber optic connections. Neutral host site 40 includes a controller 42 and a router 44. Router 44 is responsible for routing traffic from the first base station 100 to / from the core network of the first MNO, and for routing traffic from the second base station 200 to / from the core network of the second MNO. Controller 42 is responsible for managing the sharing operations at the cell site and for implementing the methods of the present invention (discussed below).

[0018] A first embodiment of the method of the present invention will now be described. In general, a triggering condition is met to reconfigure the serving base station. To avoid service interruption for users currently being served by the serving base station, this embodiment utilizes a multi-carrier target base station not operated by the same mobile network operator as the serving base station. Users of the target base station are transferred between carriers, resulting in one carrier being unused, and this unused carrier is reconfigured to MOCN mode, allowing it to serve users of both the serving base station's operator and the target base station's operator. Users of the serving base station are then transferred from the serving base station to this unused carrier, leaving the serving base station without users and allowing for reconfiguration. Therefore, this embodiment allows the serving base station to be reconfigured without causing any service interruption to its previously served users or to users of the target base station. References are made below. Figures 2 to 4 To provide a more detailed description.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the initial state of a cellular telecommunications network, where cell sites include a first base station 100 and a second base station 200 in a MORAN deployment. The first base station 100 is operated by a first MNO, and the second base station 200 is operated by a second MNO. The first base station 100 uses a first carrier and a second carrier (C1, C2), and the second base station 200 uses a third carrier (C3). The first carrier, the second carrier, and the third carrier are different non-overlapping spectrum ranges used for communication with the UE.

[0020] In the first step S101 (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown in the flowchart, the neutral host controller 42 determines that the second base station should be reconfigured. In this example, reconfiguration is a switch from normal (active) mode to power-saving mode, but any form of reconfiguration that may cause service interruption to users can be used as a trigger. Furthermore, in this example, the neutral host controller 42 determines that both carriers of the first base station 100 will compensate users of the second base station, which involves a switch from MORAN to MOCN mode, such that the first base station 100 is configured to serve users of both the first and second mobile network operators.

[0021] In step S103, the neutral host controller 42 evaluates several transition options that facilitate reconfiguration while minimizing service disruptions to users. In this example, six transition options are evaluated:

[0022] Option 1:

[0023] a. Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0024] b. Reconfigure the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0025] c. Transfer the users of the second carrier of the first base station 100 (including those users transferred in step 1a) to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0026] d. Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0027] e. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the first carrier and / or the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0028] f. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to switch to power-saving mode.

[0029] Option 2:

[0030] a. Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0031] b. Reconfigure the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0032] c. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0033] d. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to switch to power-saving mode.

[0034] e. Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0035] f. Reconfigure the second carrier to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0036] g. Transfer some users of the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100. 3. Option 3:

[0037] a. Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0038] b. Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0039] c. Transfer users of the first carrier of the first base station 100 (including those users transitioned in step 3a) to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0040] d. Reconfigure the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0041] e. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the first carrier and / or the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0042] f. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to switch to power-saving mode.

[0043] 4. Option 4:

[0044] a. Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0045] b. Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0046] c. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0047] d. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to switch to power-saving mode.

[0048] e. Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0049] f. Reconfigure the first carrier to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of both the first and second mobile network operators.

[0050] g. Transfer some users of the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100. 5. Option 5:

[0051] a. Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0052] b. Reconfigure the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0053] c. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0054] d. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator.

[0055] e. Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the third carrier of the second base station 200.

[0056] f. Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0057] g. Transferring some users of the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100 (i.e., users initially served by the second carrier).

[0058] h. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station to the first carrier and / or the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0059] i. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to power-saving mode.

[0060] 6. Option 6:

[0061] a. Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100.

[0062] b. Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0063] c. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station 200 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0064] d. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to MOCN mode so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator.

[0065] e. Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the third carrier of the second base station 100.

[0066] f. Reconfigure the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, enabling it to communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0067] g. Transfer some users of the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100 (i.e., those users initially served by the first carrier).

[0068] h. Transfer users on the third carrier of the second base station to the first carrier and / or the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0069] i. Reconfigure the third carrier of the second base station 200 to power-saving mode.

[0070] This evaluation calculates a transition score for each option regarding service interruption for the user. In this implementation, the transition score is evaluated as:

[0071]

[0072] in:

[0073] •i represents the step of the option being evaluated (i.e., the transition score of option 1 is the sum of steps 1a to 1g),

[0074] • H, if one or more handovers in step i fail, then 'handover impact' represents the negative impact on users. This can be based on the number of users who would be transferred by the handover in step i (i.e., all connection mode users) and the historical handover failure rate.

[0075] • O, if one or more base stations become overloaded during step i, then 'overload impact' refers to the negative impact on users affected by the base station overload. This term may consider how Quality of Service (QoS) metrics are reduced due to carrier overload (i.e., due to a shortage of radio resources providing service), or how users are denied handover due to carrier overload.

[0076] • S, 'Service Impact' refers to the negative impact on the user's service after step i. This can be based on the fact that some services are unavailable after step i.

[0077] The handover, overload, and service impacts can be assessed and weighted based on each MNO's strategy (e.g., the handover of users of the first MNO can be assessed based on the first MNO's strategy).

[0078] The following are transition scores for each of the above implementations. Generally, options 5 and 6 will have a greater handover impact than options 1 to 4 (because more handovers involve experiencing the same handover failure rate), but may have a lower overload impact than options 1 to 4. Furthermore, the transition score for each option will vary based on the specific number of users on each carrier, the current load on each carrier, the capacity of each carrier, and the specific service provided by each carrier. Using this information, the handover impact at each step, the load on each carrier at each step, and the ability of each carrier to provide the required service at each step can be evaluated.

[0079] In step S105, the neutral host controller 42 selects a transition option from a plurality of transition options with the highest transition score; in this example, the transition option is option 3. Then, the neutral host controller 42 implements option 3 by sending instruction messages to the first base station 100 and the second base station 200. Therefore, in step S107, the neutral host controller 42 sends instruction messages to the first base station 100 to implement steps 3a to 3d of option 3. In response to the instruction message, in step S109, the first base station 100 transfers users of the second carrier of the first base station 100 to the first carrier of the first base station 100, reconfigures the second carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode (so that the first base station 100 starts transmitting the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier of the first MNO and the PLMN of the second MNO, so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator), transfers users of the first carrier of the first base station 100 (including those transferred in step 3a) to the second carrier of the first base station 100, and reconfigures the first carrier of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode, so that it can communicate with users of the first mobile network operator and users of the second mobile network operator.

[0080] Then, the first base station 100 sends an acknowledgment message to the neutral host controller 42 indicating the completion of steps 3a-3d. In response, in step S111, the neutral host controller 42 sends an instruction message to the second base station 200 to implement steps 3e and 3f of option 3. In response, in step S113, the second base station 200 transfers users on its third carrier to the first and second carriers of the first base station 100 (such that the first and second carriers compensate for the third carrier), and reconfigures the third carrier of the second base station 200 to switch to power-saving mode. Then, the second base station 200 sends an acknowledgment message to the neutral host controller 42 indicating the completion of steps 3e and 3f. In response, in step S115, the neutral host controller 42 reconfigures the neutral host router so that any traffic from users of the second MNO now served by the first base station 100 is routed between the core network of the first base station 100 and the second MNO.

[0081] Figure 3 The final state of the network is shown.

[0082] Therefore, this first embodiment provides processing for reconfiguring the second base station 200, which reduces service disruption to users by utilizing adjacent multi-carrier base stations, even though these adjacent multi-carrier base stations are operated by another mobile network operator. Furthermore, this first embodiment evaluates multiple transition options to minimize any negative impact on service that may occur during the transition.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the trigger used to reconfigure the third base station is an energy-saving trigger to switch the third base station to energy-saving mode. However, any form of trigger that can cause service interruption can be used instead. Typically, such service interruption is caused by any reconfiguration (or power cycle) that requires a base station restart. In an alternative instance where the second base station 200 is reconfigured and becomes operational shortly after the user migrates to the first base station 100, the user can migrate back to the second base station 200. In this alternative example, it may not be necessary to reconfigure one or both carriers of the first base station 100 to MOCN mode. That is, a suitable transition option may involve the following steps:

[0084] a) Transfer users on the first carrier of the first base station 100 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0085] b) Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to communicate with users of the second MNO (i.e., not the first MNO),

[0086] c) Transfer users of the second base station 200 to the second carrier of the first base station 100.

[0087] d) Reconfigure the second base station (e.g., reboot).

[0088] e) Transfer users on the second carrier of the first base station 100 back to the second base station 200.

[0089] f) Reconfigure the second carrier of the first base station 100 to communicate with the users of the first MNO.

[0090] Therefore, switching to MOCN mode for at least one carrier is not necessary. However, it allows the first base station 100 to balance the load by transferring users among its multiple carriers, which may result in fewer failed handovers and / or better QoS for users, leading to a higher transition score.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that it is unnecessary to transfer all users between carriers during the transition step. That is, a subset of users may not be transferred and may experience poor or no service, and the negative impact can be considered as part of the transition score. Therefore, many other transition options can be evaluated in which a subset of users is transferred between carriers while the carriers switch between operating modes (e.g., normal to power saving, or MORAN to MOCN).

[0092] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present invention is not limited to a first multi-carrier base station and a second base station. That is, any transition option involving at least three carriers (where the first carrier is part of a reconfiguration event and the second and third carriers are used during the transition) can be used. These at least three carriers may or may not be part of the same operator, may or may not be part of the same base station, and may or may not be part of the same cell site.

[0093] Furthermore, any transitional option involving two carriers in a multi-operator scenario (i.e., a first carrier for the first MNO and a second carrier for the second MNO) can be used. If the neutral host controller 42 determines that the second base carrier should be reconfigured, the transitional option could be:

[0094] Option 1:

[0095] a. The first carrier switches to MOCN mode (disconnecting all its users during this reconfiguration).

[0096] b. The second carrier transfers the user to the first carrier.

[0097] c. Second carrier reconfiguration (e.g., switching to power-saving mode).

[0098] Option 2:

[0099] a. The second carrier switches to MOCN mode (disconnecting all its users during this reconfiguration).

[0100] b. The first carrier will transfer the user to the second carrier.

[0101] c. The first carrier switches to MOCN mode.

[0102] d. The second carrier transfers the user to the first carrier.

[0103] e. Second carrier reconfiguration (e.g., switching to power-saving mode).

[0104] These options differ in their negative impact on users on the first or second carrier (i.e., in option 1, users on the first carrier suffer more than users on the second carrier). However, the transition score can depend on the relative importance of the service impact of different MNOs and / or the number of affected users.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the compensation base station switches to MOCN mode to provide services to an energy-efficient base station of another MNO. Those skilled in the art will understand that this is not necessary, and the energy-efficient base station and the compensation base station can be the same MNO. Furthermore, when the compensation base station and the energy-efficient base station have different MNOs, the switch to MOCN mode can be based on the compensation base station using (at least a portion) of its own exclusive licensed spectrum for the other MNO (e.g., by using the PLMN of the other MNO). However, other options are also available, such as by using shared licensed spectrum or unlicensed spectrum.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the above-described embodiments can be applied to situations where base stations need to be reconfigured to transition from power-saving mode to normal (active) mode.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will also understand that determining that the reconfiguration triggering condition has been met is not necessary for the neutral host controller 42. The base station can determine that this condition has been met and notify the neutral host controller 42 of this determination.

[0108] Those skilled in the art will also understand that performing the various processes described above on a neutral host controller is not necessary. That is, any entity in a cellular telecommunications network can perform the aforementioned processes, and this is typically supported by a shared arrangement between operators.

[0109] The above-described implementation uses a transition scoring system to identify the most suitable transition. The transition score may also include a 'cell reselection option,' which represents the negative impact on (inactive) users undergoing cell reselection processing after a carrier change. The transition score may also include a factor based on the time of switching to power-saving mode, such that transition options with earlier switching to power-saving mode receive a more positive score. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that a transition scoring system is not necessary, and any suitable method for identifying transition options that reduces the negative impact on users when a carrier or base station is reconfigured can be used.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that any combination of features as described in the claims is possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network node in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein, The cellular telecommunications network includes a first transceiver providing a first access connection in a first spectrum range and a second transceiver providing a second access connection in a second spectrum range. The method includes the following steps: It is determined that the triggering conditions for reconfiguring the second transceiver have been met; and, in response, Evaluate multiple candidate transition options, including: Evaluate the first candidate transition options, including the first transition steps: a) Transferring the user from the second spectrum range to the first access connection, and b) After step a), reconfigure the second transceiver. The evaluation of the first candidate transition option is based on the impact of the first candidate transition option on user service interruption, and Evaluate the second candidate transition option, including the second transition steps: a) Transferring the user from the second spectrum range to the first access connection, and b) After step a), reconfigure the second transceiver. Wherein, the first transition step is different from the second transition step, and wherein the evaluation of the second candidate transition option is based on the user service interruption impact of the second candidate transition option; Select transition options based on the aforementioned assessment; The user is transferred from the second spectrum range according to the selected transition option; and Reconfigure the second transceiver according to the selected transition option.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first access connection is used by a first mobile network operator, and the second access connection is used by a second mobile network operator, and at least one of the plurality of candidate transition options further includes the following steps: a)i) Reconfigure the first access connection such that the first spectrum range is used by both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator. a)ii) After step a)i), the user is transferred from the second spectrum range to the first spectrum range.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first access connection further includes a third spectrum range, and at least one of the plurality of candidate transition options includes the following steps. a)i) Transfer the user from the third spectrum range to the first spectrum range. a)ii) After step a)i), the user is transferred from the second spectrum range to the first access connection.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first spectrum range and the third spectrum range are used by a first mobile network operator, and the second spectrum range is used by a second mobile network operator, and step a)i) includes: a)i)i) Transfer the user from the third spectrum range to the first spectrum range. a)i)ii) After step a)i)i), the first access connection is reconfigured such that the third spectrum range is used by the second mobile network operator; And step a)ii) includes transferring the user from the second spectrum range to the third spectrum range of the first access connection.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Steps a)i)ii) include reconfiguring the first access connection such that the third spectrum range is used for both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator, and step a) further includes: a)i)iii) After steps a)i)ii), the user is transferred from the first spectrum range to the third spectrum range. a)i)iv) After steps a)i)iii), the first access connection is reconfigured such that the first spectrum range is used by both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator. Step a)ii) includes transferring the user from the second spectrum range to the first spectrum range and the third spectrum range of the first access connection.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Steps a)i)ii) include: reconfiguring the first access connection such that the third spectrum range is used for both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator, and the method further includes the following steps: c) After step b), the user is transferred from the first spectrum range to the third spectrum range. d) After step c), reconfigure the first access connection such that the first spectrum range is used by both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator. e) After step d), a subset of users is transferred from the third spectrum range to the first spectrum range.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Steps a)i)ii) include reconfiguring the first access connection such that the third spectrum range is used for both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator, and the method further includes the following steps: a)iii) After steps a)ii), the second access connection is reconfigured such that the second spectrum range is used by both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator. a)iv) After steps a)iii), users in the first spectrum range are transferred to the third spectrum range. a)v) After step a)iv), the first access connection is reconfigured such that the first spectrum range is used by both the first mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator. a)vi) After step a)v), a subset of users is transferred from the third spectrum range to the first spectrum range, and a)vii) After step a)vi), users in the second spectrum range are transferred to the first spectrum range and / or the third spectrum range.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The triggering condition is that the second transceiver enters power-saving mode.

9. A computer-readable carrier medium comprising a computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A network node having a processor configured to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 8.

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