News
News Categories

M1 to Improve 3G Indoor Mobile Coverage with Deployment of Small Cell Solution

By Sidney Wong - on 21 May 2013, 5:30pm

M1 to Improve 3G Indoor Mobile Coverage with Deployment of Small Cell Solution

 Image source: M1

As part of its on-going efforts to modernize its mobile networks, M1 today announced the appointment of Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a Small Cell (Femtocell) solution to further enhance its 3G radio coverage and capacity in indoor premises. The network improvement work is valued at between S$5 million and S$20 million, depending on the extent of the deployment. 

A femtocell is a small, low-power mobile base station that will improve indoor voice coverage and data performance for users. By placing a dedicated femtocell indoor, it connects to M1’s mobile network via fixed broadband access and addresses any indoor coverage gap. The introduction of femtocells will further enhance customers’ indoor 3G experience.

M1 - “At M1, we are committed to continually invest in our network infrastructure to enhance our customers’ experience. With the Femtocell solution, our customers will benefit from improved indoor coverage, both at work or at play,” said Mr Patrick Scodeller, Chief Operating Officer, M1 Limited.

M1’s Femtocell solution will be made available in the third quarter of 2013. Last month, the telco selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to modernize its mobile networks and announced plans to deploy a nationwide 3G radio network on the 900MHz frequency band.

The other two telcos, SingTel and StarHub also revealed their respective plans to improve their mobile networks. SingTel not only invested S$150 million on the nationwide roll-out of its 4G network, it also enhanced its 3G network to offer download speeds of up to 42Mbps on compatible mobile devices. It also launched a Facebook app for its customers to provide feedback on its network performance.

StarHub announced in September 2012 that it would switch on its advanced DC-HSPA+ mobile network that will double 3G downlink speed up to 42Mbps. This enhancement aims to provide customers with fast, consistent data connectivity in indoor areas, including popular lifestyle and shopping destinations, and most of Singapore's underground network of MRT stations and tunnels.

Source: M1

 

 

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.