The idea of using small cells to meet wireless bandwidth needs is all the buzz these days. We recently caught up with Rob Riordan of the Green Bay, Wisconsin-based operator, Cellcom, who has been a long-time, small cell proponent and has been awarded for his pioneering efforts with small cell technology. Riordan points out that:
- Korea is pushing forward aggressively with small cell LTE, instead of WiFi, to deliver managed broadband managed the type of mobile bandwidth necessary to
- The surgical deployment of small cells in locations where multiple people congregate, such as malls, schools and big box retailers, is one way to grow throughput without increasing the inventory of spectrum.
- A hosted model, as well as partnerships with building owners to use existing Internet connections, are a couple of ways to reduce ongoing operational and back-haul costs.
- In general, small cell deployments in typical residential applications still face cost challenges.
- An operator might be able to use small cells to create a local content experience that is confined to a sports venue, providing a unique experience to the fans, while providing some unique revenue opportunity.
- The small cell provides identity without the user having to do anything, which has implications for security, home energy management and health care.
- Multiple frequencies will be used for LTE with lower frequencies used for less dense, longer distance applications, while higher, AWS frequencies will be used in urban areas with small cells and frequency re-use. There will be hybrid solutions as well, such as 700 MHz for backhaul from/to the home and AWS frequencies within the home.
- Fiber to Wireless drop may be viable in certain applications.
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