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Welcome to ThinkFemtocellFemtocells may well change the shape and operation of mobile networks over the next few years. These compact devices (the size of a paperback book) combine the functionality of a 3G mobile cellsite, broadband DSL modem and WiFi hotspot all in one. They are going through operator trials and should be commercially available in many markets later in 2008. As with mobile phones, they must be sold in conjunction with a mobile phone operator because they use licenced spectrum. Initially, they are likely to be subsidised as part of a package deal. This site explains the technology, lists the vendors, suggests likely business models and provides insights into this exciting new development of mobile networks. Since we're not infallible, we welcome comments (and corrections) on any of our articles - just fill in the form at the bottom of each page. Or drop us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it If you are new to the site, a good place to start might be What are Femtocells. |
Where sold only on the basis of improving indoor mobile phone reception, femtocells have to compete with several alternatives. Dual mode WiFi and Signal Boosters are two specific alternatives they must overcome.
Sprint 
The traditional GSM/UMTS cellular operators have mandated that femtocells connect directly to existing core network elements using a standard Iu interface. This allows seamless handover between femtocells and existing 2G/3G cellular networks, with the same services, phone numbers and ease of use that we are all used to. It is also compatible with existing mobile phones - no changes or upgrades are required.
If I’ve paid for a femtocell, I might reasonably think I could take it with me on my travels and use it to get great coverage, performance (not to mention low rates), wherever I go.
Energy Consumption of Femtocells – are they Green?
It's remarkably common these days to see people with two mobile phones. One provided by work; another for personal use. Often the work mobile is a basic model, frequently without 3G capability, and used for voice and text services only. The personal mobile is likely to have many more features, be much more stylish, with camera, music and location capabilities.
Femtocells, like many new technologies, are maturing and overcoming the technical obstacles which have arisen during trials and testing. Increasing intelligence and self-tuning of these smartboxes ensures minimum disruption of the existing macrocellular network. RF propagation studies have shown the impact and feasibility of high traffic levels in areas of heavy takeup. 
In a recent interview, Lauren Town, Head of Marketing at Orange, said the operator was not looking to replace its current Unik WiFi UMA service with 3G femtocells. What is the likely evolutionary path for existing UMA services and can they co-exist with femtocells?
This concept is strongly promoted by independent femtocell vendors, who seek to challenge the ways in which cellular phones are used today. When inside the coverage of your home femtocell, in the so-called femtozone, your mobile device will be directly connected to other networked equipment and be able to communicate and control it.
Vodafone Italy has 
I’ve been struck recently by the number of places offering free WiFi these days. Pubs, cafés, hotels, guest houses – why even 
Progress is being made in the standardisation process for femtocells. Kineto have helpfully provided an 
Will femtocells be consumed into a central Mega-Hub for each household? We are already seeing products which combine broadband modems, routers, print servers and femtocells in one box - is more consolidation likely?
What is the “secret sauce” that femtocell vendors add to the mix. With major component vendors such as picoChip providing reference designs for femtocells, you may think there is little to be done apart from assembling the components. Femtocell vendors on the other hand seek to differentiate themselves by adding value with specialist expertise.
Intellectual Property is the “other meaning” of the term IP (sometimes also known as IPR for Intellectual Property Rights). How will this "tax" apply to femtocells and derived products? [Note: Earlier link error fixed - click through to view the article]
Femtocells can be packaged in a variety of different physical formats. Here are the main ones we know about: