Freshwave, working with CommScope, is bringing 4G connectivity from all four UK mobile network operators (MNOs) indoors via a combined small cell box.
Freshwave’s Omni Network is an approach which currently uses CommScope’s ONECELL. It’s being rolled out at various Freshwave customer sites across the UK and includes Freshwave’s ongoing managed service.
In-building mobile systems are needed because in many buildings the macro signal is blocked by materials such as thick concrete walls or energy efficient glass. Small cells, which connect securely into the MNOs’ networks, guarantee the quality of service, unlike some other connectivity technologies which rely on outdoor signal.
Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “Omni Network extends in-building mobile connectivity to a wider range of organisations than ever before thanks to our team’s technical innovation. As the only company in the UK able to offer Omni Network, we’re looking forward to the benefits it will bring to our customers across the public and private sector. We’re grateful to all the UK mobile operators for their collaboration which made Omni Network possible.”
With all four MNOs contained in one box which is configured and controlled by engineers via Freshwave’s data centre, Omni Network needs less equipment, cabling and corresponding installation. This means it’s faster to design and deploy and, depending on the building size, up to 65 per cent lower cost than a legacy, traditional distributed antenna system (DAS). It’s also more energy efficient, using up to 60 per cent less energy.
Each access point can provide up to 25 per cent more coverage compared to a traditional small cell and 32 per cent more than a low power DAS. Omni Network needs a maximum of four units in a rack, freeing up space in the comms room for other uses.