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The radio access network is getting a boost from the small cells. With fancy names such as femtocells, picocells and microcells, these cells complement the large base stations by enhancing coverage and capacity in premises such as houses, offices and public venues. According to a new research report by Berg Insight, the installed base of small cell base stations increased to about 4.1 million units worldwide in 2012. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.2 percent, the installed base is forecasted to reach 40 million units by 2018.
“Mobile operators worldwide are experiencing rapid growth in mobile data and signalling traffic”, said André Malm, Senior Analyst, Berg Insight. He adds that total mobile data traffic in cellular networks is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 50 percent from 2012 until 2018. “Furthermore, small cells are gradually becoming multi-mode solutions, incorporating cellular access technologies including 3G/LTE, in addition to Wi-Fi” concluded Mr Malm.
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