ABI Research has predicted that femtocells and picocells will form an integrated part of the initial introduction of Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.

According to senior analyst Nadine Manjaro, the cellular mini-base stations offer improved indoor wireless coverage and have generated significant interest in mobile wireless markets.

"In most parts of the world, LTE will be deployed using higher frequency bands. Higher frequencies penetrate structures less effectively than low frequencies, so femtocells and picocells offer an attractive way to compensate for lower indoor signal strength and provide LTE's touted bandwidth. Our forecasts show an upswing in femtocell and picocell penetration that coincides with the expected LTE deployment timeframe", he said.

LTE is slated to operate with the 2.6GHz band in Europe, the 70MHz range in the US and 1880- to 1920MHz and 2010- to 2025MHz in China.

It should be noted that Orange signed a five-year deal in March 2008 to provide Cable & Wireless (C&W) customers with U.K.-wide roaming services linked to in-building picocells. The new agreement will create a private mobile network, allowing customers to connect with the Orange mobile network when out of range of C&W's in-building mobile network. X

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