With the maturity in the deployment of macro 5G networks, such as mid-band and C-band 5G deployments, mobile operators are now expected to step up installations of small cells.
Small cells are low-power, short-range wireless transmission systems that can cover small geographical areas or small-proximity indoor and outdoor spaces. Small cells have similar characteristics to the base stations used by telecom companies for years; however, they can handle high data rates for mobile broadband and consumers and high densities of low-speed, low-power devices for IoT. Such capabilities make small cells pivotal for 5G cell planning to deliver ultrahigh speeds. Small cells improve leveraging of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming, and millimeter wave (mmWave). This concept helps simplify transmission station deployment and speeds up implementation. In addition, small cells are relatively easier to deploy on small towers or lamp posts for outdoor applications and wall mounted for indoor applications. Based on the requirement, three types of small cells can be deployed:
- Femtocells: These are small mobile base stations that help extend coverage for residential and enterprise-level applications. These are mainly used to offload networks when they become congested. Femtocells can extend range and enhance building penetration for indoor consumers.
- Picocells: These small cellular base stations cover small indoor areas such as buildings or aircraft. Picocells are great for small enterprises to provide extended network coverage and large data throughput.
- Microcells: These are generally more substantial than picocells and can support a more significant number of users in unique geographical areas.
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Key Vendor Announcements:
- In July 2022, Verizon announced its plans to speed up its small cell buildout starting in 2023. Verizon anticipates small cell activity will ramp in 2023 as activity shifts toward 16t16r deployments from early 8t8r deployments built in 2022.
- In March 2022, AT&T announced it is deploying streetlight-powered 5G small cells. AT&T worked with Ubicquia, which partnered with Ericsson to develop the Ericsson Street Radio 4402, a small cell that can be plugged into existing streetlights with a NEMA socket.
- In January 2022, Crown Castle announced a new deal with T-Mobile that includes a commitment for up to 35,000 small cells over the next five years, followed by an early 2021 deal with Verizon for 15,000 new small cells.
Collaborations & Partnerships:
- In October 2022, HFCL Limited announced that it has entered into an agreement with Qualcomm Technologies Inc. for HFCL’s design and development of 5G Outdoor Small Cell products. HFCL’s 5G Outdoor Small Cell would be an All-in-one Small Cell that supports 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) modes.
- In March 2022, Radisys Corporation, a global leader in open telecom solutions, announced that Korean small cells player Qucell Networks is leveraging Radisys’ Connect RAN gNodeB software to enable and deploy 5G small cell solutions for global markets. The integrated commercial-grade 5G small cell solution is being trialed in multiple global operators’ networks.
Recent Regional Developments:
- Germany: In December 2022, Telekom Deutschland announced the upgradation of its legacy street furniture to host an Ericsson 5G small-cell kit, improving street-level connectivity. The company is running pilot projects in cities, namely, Weiden in Bavaria, and Hattingen in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- India: In September 2022, Reliance Jio announced a partnership with Qualcomm to use its capabilities to develop its own indigenous small-cell network stack in 5G. Qualcomm is also leveraging 5G to develop other capabilities, such as laptops and tablets connected by 5G. These could also be the future avenues it can explore with Reliance Jio through collaboration.
- India: In July 2022, Vodafone Idea demonstrated a 5G small cell trial using street furniture at Bengaluru Metro as part of the 5G small cell trial that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has piloted.
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