NEWS
Vodafone’s European femtocell launch to boost picoChip
UK, 27th July 2009 - Vodafone has launched Europe’s first commercial femtocell service, paving the way for a wider rollout of the technology and boosting prospects for femtocell pioneer picoChip.
Femtocells are tiny base stations that boost mobile phone coverage within buildings and Vodafone has incorporated picoChip’s femtocell silicon chip technology in its new Vodafone Access Gateway product which went on sale in Europe on July 1.
Vodafone is using femtocells as a cost-effective and efficient way to increase network coverage and capacity within homes and offices. Femtocells enable high quality, high-speed connection through routing calls across existing broadband installations.
PicoChip, which was the first to demonstrate femtocell technology in 2004, is the industry’s leading supplier of femtocell silicon. CEO Nigel Toon said Vodafone’s launch represents one of the most significant steps towards full commercial rollout of femtocell services.
Stuart Paterson, a Partner in SEP, said: “Vodafone’s decision to launch a commercial femtocell service marks the starter’s gun being fired in this market. Other mobile operators are following suit not only in the UK but in the rest of the world. That would have very positive implications for picoChip as a leading supplier of femtocell technology.”
Demand for enhanced mobile reception and coverage is rising, partly in response to a major increase in the proportion of data being transmitted via mobile networks.
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