Autonomous System Number
Lodestar's own ASN, AS218388, was assigned on 15 October 2026.
Funding complete
wavemobile funded our Baicells base station
wavemobile fully funded the Baicells Nova230i Pro and supported Lodestar's next stage as an independently routed network operator.
More than one radio
Building the foundations of an independent network
Funding has supported the radio and wider network work. Lodestar's ASN is assigned and a leased IPv4 /24 is in use. Our LONAP connection is being arranged.
IPv4 address space
Lodestar now uses a leased IPv4 /24 for L2TP customer addresses and mobile data.
LONAP
Our LONAP connection is being arranged.
What comes next
The remaining work includes LONAP connectivity, peering setup, licensing and radio commissioning. We will publish each element as it becomes operational.
The radio
Baicells Nova230i Pro
A compact outdoor LTE base station intended for targeted coverage. The integrated-antenna model avoids a separate LTE panel antenna and feeder run.
The manufacturer lists a Gigabit Ethernet connection, IEEE 802.3bt PoE++ power, built-in GPS/BeiDou timing, IP65 protection and support for up to 128 RRC-connected users per cell. The 128 figure is the RRC-connected user limit; delivered capacity will be measured during commissioning. For the proposed UK 2.3 GHz trial, the intended unit is the integrated-antenna Band 40 pBS3140i.
Timing is provided by integrated GPS/BeiDou. Commissioning will confirm satellite reception at the final mounting position.
Deployment requirements
Turning the funded radio into a live cell
The delivery phase combines an authorised site, licensed spectrum, professional installation, working backhaul and acceptance against Lodestar's core.
Spectrum authorisation
Lodestar will complete the Ofcom licensing process and any required RF or EMF assessment. The licence conditions will define the frequency, power, location and operating parameters.
Site and installation
Deployment includes site permission, structural checks, qualified labour and the electrical and lightning-protection work required for the chosen location.
Backhaul, timing and core
The cell will use reliable IP connectivity to Lodestar's LTE core, management platform and subscriber systems. Integrated GPS/BeiDou provides timing, with IEEE 1588v2 available where the site design calls for network timing.
Ongoing operation
Site operations cover power, connectivity, licensing, monitoring, maintenance and equipment lifecycle management.
Licensing and commissioning
Preparing the Ofcom trial
Lodestar is preparing a site-specific Ofcom Innovation and Trial licence application for outdoor Band 40 operation. The submission will request a channel within the Nova's 2300 to 2390 MHz range and document the site, antenna height, gain, direction, tilt, transmission schedule, bandwidth, power and EIRP. Ofcom will set the final operating conditions.
The first phase will run under a time-limited, coordinated trial licence. Ofcom lists Innovation and Research at £50 per location for up to 12 months, while Demonstration and Trial costs £50 per location for each month. We will use the licence class confirmed by Ofcom for the planned participation model.
The trial will generate practical evidence about coverage, capacity, reliability and community operation. Participants will receive a clear briefing covering the trial period, costs, coverage and future-service status.
Funding update
The public appeal is closed
wavemobile has fully funded the Baicells Nova230i Pro and provided wider financial support for Lodestar's next stage of network development. We are grateful for support that moves both the radio project and the underlying network forward.
- Baicells unit
- Fully funded
- Funded by
- wavemobile
- Public appeal
- Closed
- Last updated
- 26 Oct 2026
Funding status updated 26 October 2026.
Relevant supplier receipts and purchase records will be published after permanent redaction of delivery addresses, personal contact details, payment-card or unrelated bank data, account and order identifiers, QR codes, barcodes and hidden metadata.
What happens next
From a funded radio to an operational network
- FundComplete. wavemobile has fully funded the Baicells unit and supported the wider network work.
- Confirm and orderConfirm the exact pBS3140i package, UK conformity documents and delivery details before placing the supplier order.
- Build the network edgeASN assignment is complete and a leased IPv4 /24 is in use. Our LONAP connection is being arranged. Complete the remaining connectivity and peering work.
- License, install and testComplete the Ofcom licence, site permission, structural, earthing, EMF and technical work, then install and commission the radio.
The public appeal is closed
wavemobile's funding closes the public contribution stage for the Baicells unit. The archived contribution terms and privacy notice remain available as the record governing information and transfers received while the appeal was open.
Next updates will cover the Ofcom licence, LONAP connectivity, peering, commissioning and coverage as each stage completes.