NEC Europe works with Telefonica O2 Europe to deliver UK femtocell trial

Telecomworldwire, Feb 12, 2008

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-12 February 2008-NEC Europe works with Telefonica O2 Europe to deliver UK femtocell trial(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

NEC Corporation, a provider of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions, has revealed that its NEC Europe subsidiary is working with Telefonica O2 Europe, a mobile operator, to deliver the first live femtocell trial in the UK.

O2 reportedly started an initial live testing period this month, which will be rolled out across the UK this summer if successful, with a commercial launch anticipated by early next year. NEC said it is providing its Femtocell Solution, which includes 3G Femtocell Access Point for direct subscriber use, Femtocell Gateway and Access Point Management and Provisioning System, for O2.

A femtocell is a 3G access point developed as a consumer device for use in buildings, which reportedly provides a cost-effective alternative to the macro network to improve 3G coverage and capacity indoors. Femtocells provide dedicated, low-cost 3G coverage and capacity indoors, allowing an existing mobile phone user to access high quality voice and high-speed data services.

According to NEC Europe, the benefits of femtocell technology will be tested and proven for both operators and subscribers, with O2's trial of the solution helping to meet subscriber demands.

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