There’s no debate – consumers and professionals want increased mobility, which includes wireless access regardless of their location. For service providers, access to broadband solutions means the preservation of the subscriber base. The challenge is in building out the network to ensure it can handle the capacity strain now, and for years to come.


The real debate centers on the deployment of small cells throughout the service provider’s target area. While small cells have been proven to be less expensive than their macro counterparts, mobile operators are finding that challenges to deployment still exist. Unless these obstacles are addressed head-on, the build out of small cells throughout targeted regions won’t happen as quickly as necessary.

According to this Cambridge Wireless post, the issues facing wireless providers include power, site selection, site acquisition, backhaul, installation and even commissioning. At the same time, these providers must address regulatory issues that can shut down operations if compliance is not met. Small cells can meet capacity demands, but not if sites are beyond the reach of these wireless providers.

Acquisition issues could intensify as the topic gains more notice in the industry. Intensely pursued locations could dramatically increase in price, especially as wireless providers vie for right of first refusal. Likewise, selecting Line-of-Sight or Non-Line-of-Sight backhaul solutions introduce a whole new source of options that must be considered.

Fortunately, providers do have an opportunity to come together to drive change in the industry, tackling each of these obstacles in order to promote the build out of the necessary infrastructure. The Small Cell Forum can lend considerable value in the process, but the industry as a whole needs to band together to educate those holding the key to issue resolution when it comes to deployment on a massive scale.

As a key step in the process, Cambridge Wireless is hosting a half day conference on January 31, 2013 in partnership with Eversheds LLP that includes speakers from EE, Airspan, Agilent Technologies, Virgin Media and Nokia (News - Alert) Siemens Networks. Each industry expert is expected to provide his or her insight on the deployment of small cells.

Another contributor to the industry, Taqua, is assisting wireless providers in the quest to build out their networks to handle the growing capacity demand. As these providers look to small cells on large scale deployments, Taqua (News - Alert) is developing solutions that meet the specific needs of the provider.

At the same time, the company’s backhaul solutions address many of the challenges that exist in the market today, with a focus on leveraging key infrastructure investments already in place for the wireless provider. Such a partnership maximizes current investments with a clear eye on the prize for capacity expansion.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.



Edited by Stefanie Mosca