With small cell technology becoming more and more prevalent in the wireless industry, don’t be too surprised if by 2014 all small cell and outdoor and in-building build-outs will contain Wi-Fi. That’s the message senior EVP at AT&T Technology and Network Operations John Donovan, reiterated this week.


Donovan, speaking at this week's Citi Global Internet, Media and Communications conference also cited that he expects small cells to be at the center of AT&T’s network in the near future. The roll-out of small cell technology as well as AT&T looking to “densify” its urban LTE (News - Alert) network is all a part of the company’s goal to expand its 4G and fiber footprint with Project VIP.

"We expect that over half of our densification over the next three years is going to be the result of deploying small cell technology," Donavan said.

Donovan also said that his firm “could deploy over 10,000 macrocells, 40,000 small cells and 1,000 DAS (distributed antenna systems),” which is all a part of the multibillion dollar Project VIP.

Small cell technology has the ability to provide either in-building or outdoor wireless service. This technology will allow AT&T (News - Alert) and other mobile service providers to extend their service coverage.

Maybe more importantly, small cells can also increase a network’s capacity, allowing operators to offload traffic during peak hours which can be crucial. It can prove to be essential with the integration of the LTE networks, as all cells within the network will have the ability to be self-organizing.

As part of its Project VIP, AT&T already has 170m of LTE networks, with that number expected to increase up over 300m by the beginning of 2015.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.




Edited by Stefanie Mosca