A neutral host network lets multiple carriers share infrastructure while maintaining network isolation. Enterprises gain better indoor coverage, lower costs, and easier scaling—all without adding separate systems.

This post will cover exactly how it works and how Meter delivers managed indoor coverage with carrier flexibility.

Understanding neutral host networks

A neutral host network lets multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) use the same equipment to deliver service. One set of antennas, cables, and radios supports all carriers instead of each one building its own system.

MNOs—like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile—connect through this shared setup, while users stay on their regular plan. The business or venue doesn’t need to install a separate network for each one.

Shared systems lower cost and save space, especially in large buildings or crowded areas where adding multiple networks is too expensive or not possible.

Operational models

Neutral host networks usually follow one of three models.

Independent providers

A third-party company builds and operates the network. Mobile network operators (MNOs) lease access to deliver their service. The building owner may also use the same system to support tenant or employee needs.

Enterprise-managed hosts

The business sets up the system using shared spectrum, often with CBRS. MNOs work with the enterprise to provide coverage indoors, especially in areas with poor outdoor signal.

Carrier-driven hosts

One MNO installs and manages the setup. Other carriers connect through service agreements handled between providers. Each model uses shared radios, baseband units, and management software. Tools inside the system balance signal strength, traffic, and access across all MNOs.

Some neutral host networks also use a multi-operator core network (MOCN) setup. MOCN lets multiple MNOs share radios and backhaul while keeping separate core networks. Each carrier can deliver full service without duplicating hardware.

How do neutral host networks differ from traditional networks?

Neutral host networks use one shared system to support MNOs. Traditional setups require each MNO to install and maintain its own hardware. That often leads to crowded equipment rooms, high costs, and poor service if a carrier isn’t present.

This chart illustrates the major differences of neutral host networks vs. traditional ones:

Benefits of neutral host networks for enterprises

Meter supports neutral host solutions because they simplify coverage, save money, and work with modern wireless tools like CBRS and 5G. Each benefit below helps explain why more enterprises are making the switch.

Stronger indoor coverage

Most buildings block outdoor cell signals. Concrete, glass, and steel weaken or stop them entirely. Even when Wi-Fi is available, phones still depend on cellular for calls, texts, and mobile apps.

A neutral host system brings those cellular signals inside using shared antennas and radios. All major carriers can connect through the same setup, so users get better service across the board.

Call quality improves. Dropouts go down. Staff, visitors, and tenants stay connected—no matter which mobile provider they use.

Lower long-term cost

Installing a network for every carrier is expensive and inefficient. A neutral host setup solves that with a single system. One install handles all providers. That means fewer access points (APs), less cabling, and no duplicated hardware. Maintenance is simpler, too.

Meter offers a full neutral host setup through one subscription. We handle the APs, spectrum coordination, and carrier access—without stacking costs or passing off work to outside vendors.

Easy to scale and adapt

Buildings change over time. New floors get added. Offices get remodeled. More users come online.

However, the good news is that neutral host systems scale easily to adapt to these changes. Adding new areas doesn’t require starting over. Just extend the current system and configure it to match.

When carriers update their service—like switching from LTE to 5G—the neutral host can update in place. No major construction. No full rip-and-replace.

Carrier-agnostic by design

Neutral host networks don’t favor one mobile operator. That’s a key difference.

Each MNO gets equal access to the system. This avoids vendor lock-in and gives building owners more control over how service is delivered.

Carrier-agnostic designs also support secure network design. Enterprises can segment traffic, isolate threats, and manage how devices connect—all without giving up visibility or performance.

From our view at Meter, neutrality isn't a feature—it's the foundation. Anything else introduces risk, clutter, or extra work for your IT team.

Built to support future upgrades

Neutral host systems support 4G, 5G, and CBRS right now. But the bigger value is what comes next.

New technologies like network slicing work best on shared systems. Slicing allows MNOs to create separate virtual networks inside one physical network. Each slice can support different uses—like emergency traffic, video streaming, or IoT—without interference.

With slicing, one neutral host can serve dozens of needs at once. Shared infrastructure becomes smarter, not just cheaper.

Most private networks can’t support this without major upgrades. Neutral hosts are already set up for it.

From Meter’s standpoint, the more future-ready your system is, the fewer upgrades you’ll need later. That’s why we pair every neutral host deployment with long-term network capacity planning.

Market growth and statistics

Neutral host networks are gaining ground fast. Indoor coverage demands keep rising, and many buildings still lack support for modern mobile traffic.

As of 2025, the global neutral host market is expected to hit $11.1 billion by 2030. That growth follows a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and reflects the need for shared infrastructure that works with both public and private networks.

More companies are choosing neutral host models because they cost less than separate carrier builds. As demand grows, many enterprises are turning to neutral networks as a smarter way to serve mobile users without overbuilding infrastructure.

Service providers benefit, too. Shared systems let them reach more users without running new lines or installing duplicate equipment.

Neutral host DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems)

Neutral host DAS is one of the oldest ways to bring a carrier signal indoors. It’s often used in high-traffic buildings where walls and floors block outdoor coverage. Offices, stadiums, hospitals, and airports have used DAS to improve voice and data reliability.

DAS still plays a role in enterprise wireless, but it comes with limits. The setup is hardware-heavy, expensive to deploy, and usually tied to long-term carrier agreements. In many cases, it’s not flexible enough for newer technologies like CBRS or shared 5G services.

Role in enhancing connectivity

A DAS spreads cellular signals through a building using antennas and cables. Each antenna connects back to a central baseband unit that handles signal routing.

Carriers provide signal feeds, and the DAS rebroadcasts them indoors. If multiple MNOs are involved, the system must support each one—often requiring separate agreements and hardware tuning.

Unlike Wi-Fi or CBRS, DAS does not generate a signal itself. It depends on external feeds from the carriers.

That makes it useful for long-established MNO partnerships but harder to manage for enterprises needing flexible, neutral access.

How DAS supports key industries

Several industries continue to use DAS when building design or legacy carrier partnerships require it.

Airports

Large terminals often rely on DAS to push mobile signals past thick walls and underground levels. Signal feeds usually come from carrier-owned systems outside the building.

Healthcare

Hospitals may use DAS to extend coverage into areas where Wi-Fi isn’t allowed or reliable. Medical teams often depend on cellular voice and SMS for paging and backup.

Sports venues

Stadiums with high foot traffic often install DAS to manage large spikes in usage during games. Multiple MNOs are often supported, but coordination can be slow or costly.

Government and military

Government buildings with strict security rules may use DAS to provide a mobile signal while controlling external exposure. However, not all DAS systems meet evolving security or segmentation needs.

How to implement neutral host solutions

Getting a neutral host network running starts with the right foundation. Enterprises need to understand what their buildings demand—then choose a provider that won’t add complexity down the road.

Assessing enterprise needs

Strong coverage depends on where and how people use devices indoors. Each building has signal dead zones, interference, and user hotspots that affect network quality.

A network risk assessment helps map those issues. It also flags places where systems overlap or create noise.

Meter performs site surveys and RF audits before every install. That data shows where coverage is needed now—and where demand may grow later. We use that to size the system and plan for expansion.

Choosing the right provider

Not all neutral host providers offer the same support. Some only work with select carriers. Others leave spectrum coordination or regulatory compliance to the customer.

Look for a provider that:

• Supports all major mobile carriers from the start
• Manages CBRS access and FCC rules
• Installs and maintains the system with one team
• Offers simple, scalable pricing with no surprise costs

Meter handles the full lifecycle. We manage installation, spectrum access, monitoring, and support. Everything runs through one service—so you’re not stuck chasing vendors when problems show up.

Integrating with current systems

New networks need to work alongside what’s already in place. A neutral host must respect your network design—not override it.

Meter builds systems that:

• Avoid Wi-Fi and spectrum conflicts
• Honor VLANs, firewalls, and segmentation policies
• Work alongside private LTE or 5G networks if needed

We don’t just drop hardware and leave. Our team ties the system into your enterprise network design, configures it for your rules, and deploys without downtime.

The system fits in cleanly—without extra complexity or cross-talk.

Challenges and considerations

Neutral host networks solve many problems—but like any system, they come with constraints. Rules, risks, and real-world limits must all be factored into planning.

Regulatory compliance

Neutral host systems must follow rules set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)—especially for CBRS spectrum. Providers must register every radio, follow spectrum sharing rules, and avoid signal conflicts.

Leased buildings bring extra steps. Property owners often need permission from tenants or mobile carriers before installing anything.

Meter handles compliance as part of every project. We work with Spectrum Access System (SAS) partners to license, register, and manage all CBRS activity.

Security concerns

Shared hardware doesn’t mean shared data. Neutral host networks isolate each MNO through traffic controls and radio segmentation.

IT teams still need strong safeguards:

• Encryption for sensitive traffic
• Secure onboarding for devices
• VLAN separation for critical systems and IoT

Meter includes those protections by default. Every setup supports secure network design and respects enterprise control over traffic, users, and endpoints.

Technical complexity

Installing a neutral host isn’t simple. It takes more than hanging antennas or flipping switches.

Every setup needs:

• RF signal planning
• Site surveys
• Baseband unit configuration
• Integration with building systems and access rules
• Coordination with carriers

Most enterprises aren’t staffed to handle that on their own. Meter delivers a managed setup that avoids delays, scope creep, or vendor confusion. We take ownership from design to deployment.

Policy and competition

In some countries, neutral host systems are backed by public policy. Governments in regions like Malaysia have pushed for shared mobile infrastructure in large buildings to support better indoor coverage and digital equity.

Policy helps—but it also creates competition questions. When one vendor controls shared access, fair use and equal carrier treatment become harder to monitor.

Neutral hosts need safeguards to keep networks open, secure, and non-preferential. That’s why design decisions must support both access and governance—especially in public-facing or high-risk buildings.

Explore neutral host solutions for your enterprise

Meter Cellular delivers reliable indoor coverage through a CBRS-based neutral host network. One system. All major carriers. Fully managed.

We design, install, and support each deployment—no handoffs, no vendor management.

Need better coverage across tenants or campuses? We make mobile access simple, scalable, and future-ready.

Features you can expect from Cellular:

• Simplified deployment: Meter handles everything from site surveys to installation and activation.
• Quick installation: The process is much faster than traditional DAS, taking just 6 to 8 weeks.
• Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS gives strong signals and removes dead zones for steady, carrier-grade service.
• Multi-carrier support: One setup works with major carriers, keeping employees and visitors connected.
• Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 next year, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
• Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

Adding Cellular to your vertically integrated network plan or purchasing it separately means strong, high-quality indoor cell coverage that grows with your business.

Contact Meter today to learn more.