Small Cell major players evaluate the alignment of Deployment Incentives

As consumers’ usage of mobile data increases, mobile networks are evolving to their needs. To address the need for capacity and coverage, developments including the increase of spectrum usage, new technologies – for example, LTE – and the development of the macro layer through technologies such as MIMO, CoMP and SON is scheduled to manage this demand. Mobile network operators (MNOs), and third-party suppliers on their behalf, are deploying new types of small cells within mobile networks. WiFi offload using unlicensed spectrum, which is the most common type of small cell, but there are many others including micro/pico cells and femtocells using licensed, unlicensed or shared spectrum.

This event will hear from the Telecoms Forum Board, city councils, MNO’s and third parties who will comment on their experiences of recent high-profile deployments, war stories and the lessons learnt on how to fulfil the potential of small cells amongst several conflicting parties. Ofcom will bring together the discussions with focus on the regulatory evaluation on issues such as spectrum usage & allocation, backhaul, power, spectrum allocation databases and suitable sites, which is required by all small cell types.

Lisa Clark, Project Director at Go Digital Newcastle who is speaking at this event will share their experience in deploying small cells across cities.  “We have recently gone to the market and offered out a wireless concession opportunity where suppliers have the opportunity to deploy small cells to our street furniture.  We see this as mutually beneficial – we will get improved wireless coverage across Newcastle and Gateshead, and the supplier is able to deploy small cells across a large geographic area. We have been mindful to make the contract as attractive as possible to the market and have done a lot of pre-work to try and remove potential barriers like planning, deployment issues, mixed use of assets etc.  We’re happy to share all the lessons we’ve learnt so far which may be helpful to other Local Authorities who are planning their own concessions”.

Jonathan Freeman, Director, Capacity Solutions at Arqiva adds, “Realisation of ubiquitous high speed networks via small cells requires us to think differently about deployment. To deliver against quality and cost expectations we need to rationalise the small cells toolkit, retaining flexibility while ensuring we deliver the economies of scale required to achieve mass deployment. At this SIG event Arqiva will share its standardised, repeatable and innovative approach to deployment across urban areas in the UK”

Realisation of the industry goal of ubiquitous high capacity networks across urban areas requires alignment of sometimes competing stakeholder needs. For small cells to succeed in the UK the solution must be cost effective, scalable and standardised across different urban locations.

“Mobile operators have widely accepted the need for small cells in their networks and the technology has already been well proven,” says Prof. Simon Saunders – Director of Technology of Real Wireless and Cambridge Wireless Small Cell SIG champion. “In the case of outdoor public access small cells, however, significant deployment questions remain, however, including regarding the timing, quantity and location of small cells,  all of which are heavily influenced by practical matters of site planning, rental, backhaul and the attitudes of the different public and private bodies who are affected.

We have planned this event to explore these issues and have assembled a stellar line-up of national and local government, regulators, site providers and backhaul specialists to speak and debate the potential barriers and opportunities to accelerate small cell deployment.”

The full-day event will engage its audience in a series of round-table discussions and networking sessions to further discuss the issues faced by small cells, and will conclude with a panel session addressing the perspectives of the vendors and operators.

This event is free to Cambridge Wireless members and the ever popular Small Cell SIG has a track record for selling out fast therefore early booking is highly recommended for a guaranteed place at this event. To join Cambridge Wireless as a member and attend future events for free, please visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/sign-up