Long Term Evolution, or LTE (News - Alert), isn’t a new mobile technology, even though the big carriers tout it as such. The advertisements say it’s the most advanced technology in networks today while others will trumpet it as the up-and-coming wireless technology. Regardless of those claims, LTE is something that continues to improve, and small cells are a big part of that improvement process.


Femtocells (News - Alert), a part of the technology in small cells, are contributing to the growth of wireless broadband solutions, while also supporting 4G development. Carriers are committed to bringing small cells like femtos into markets, including developing regions such as India. Small cells have made a global impact on bringing mobile services to customers. These small cells are being developed in a variety of business models that are constantly evolving, just like LTE.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking at LTE and 4G as they develop the latest devices for mobile communications, according to this Voice & Data piece. These OEMs are spending significant money on research and design with an eye toward LTE. However, industry insiders say the adoption of software for small cells will not be as rapid as some had originally expected.

Some parts of the globe are still working with small cells that put an emphasis on the 3G networks. India, in particular, is still working with the small cells that integrated into 3G networks, using femtocells as part of that deployment.

Tata Elxsi (News - Alert), a company that works in everything from aerospace to automobiles, is giving companies the devices they need to store data or communicate. The company’s consolidated PBT grew by nearly 75 percent in 2011. Now, Tata Elxsi is busy making deals in the wireless broadband market that use small cells as part of its solution. The company is starting to work with OEMs to bring the latest technologies to Android (News - Alert) smartphones.

In June, Tata Elxsi made headlines when it selected Ixia to validate LTE small cells software suites. Tata’s small cells software suite works with system-on-chip (SoC) implementations. The company’s work in this space has brought telecommunications companies the ability to rapidly develop small cells for LTE home and eNodeB, as well as femtocells and picocells.

Tata focuses primarily on femto and pico cells when working with small cells. The company expects a 40 percent growth spurt for small cells software designed for 4G LTE and eNodeB. The rapid deployment of both 3G and 4G networks is facilitating the need for small cells and the software that pushes the network along. And, as the demand for wireless mobile access continues to grow, opportunities in this space will increase on a consistent basis.


Want to learn more about today’s powerful mobile Internet ecosystem? Then be sure to attend the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo, collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct. 2-5 2012, in Austin, TX. Co-sponsored by TMC (News - Alert) Partner Crossfire Media the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo provides unmatched networking opportunities and a robust conference program representing the mobile ecosystem. The conference not only brings together the best and brightest in the wireless industry, it actually spans the communications and technology industry. For more information on registering for the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo click here.

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Edited by Stefanie Mosca