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INDUSTRY NEWS


6 May 2008

Mobile operators to begin femtocell deployments in 2008


More than 100,000 femtocell units will ship in 2008, but the market won't get properly going until 2010, when it is likely to move more than ten million units, ABI Research has claimed.

According to the analyst, the technology behind femtocells – indoor base stations that boost mobile 3G services – holds promise for carriers of all types, but 2008 and 2009 will remain fairly low-key years as companies embark on trials.

Stuart Carlaw, vice president of ABI Research, said: "By 2010, femtocell silicon solutions will have been optimised to the degree that $100 (£50) price points for femtocell access points will be within reach, and OEMs' order books will have the volume to sustain critical wholesale price reductions.

"There is little doubt that all the technical hurdles regarding femtocell deployments can be overcome. The really critical issue will be whether initial carrier deployments are supported by robust business models and service plans that extend beyond pure fixed-mobile substitution goals," he added.

Analyst In-Stat believes that there will be more than 31 million units of femtocells, picocells and microcells (other types of wireless base station) shipped by 2012.

It said that a new device segment is emerging – the Enterprise Picocell – to provide enterprises with similar services to those being offered to the home.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd.

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