Virgin Media denies reports of femtocells deployment, LTE interest

Femtocells aren’t a new technology, although it has raised quite the buzz recently. Femtocells are small cellular base stations that were intended for home use. They are also commonly used in business offices as well. These femtocells work by connecting to the ISP’s network through DSL or cable in order to extend the service coverage indoors. This, in effect, minimises the area that would normally have little or no coverage. Aside from that, femtocells also make huge improvements to capacity.

Last week, Vodafone revealed that they are planning to improve 3G mobile reception in Britain by using femtocells. Vodafone stated: “Mobile connectivity plays a vital role in keeping communities in touch and helping to support rural economies,” Vodafone said in a statement. “The economics of getting mobile coverage into rural areas by traditional methods, however, can mean that some communities have less opportunity than others to take part in the growing smartphone revolution.”

But apparently, it’s technology that Virgin Media isn’t interested in tapping for its own network. The firm has denied newspaper reports that they were planning to make use of femtocells and bid to obtain spectrum. Reports that they were going to begin offering femtocells to their cable customers was reported by The Guardian, along with the tidbit that the company was also planning to bid for LTE spectrum alongside other mobile and fixed-line operators.

Virgin Media has since released a statement saying that these reports were based on inaccurate comments made by a company executive who was merely speculating about future opportunities. However, Virgin confirmed that they recognised and have noticed the exponential growth in mobile data requirements and that the UK was definitely on the tipping point when it came to LTE technology.

A spokesperson for Virgin Media stated: “In order to maximise the value of what is limited spectrum, short range low powered frequencies could be used to ensure localised areas of high demand are satisfied. These frequencies could be shared by companies beyond just the mobile network operators so that consumers will benefit most from greater innovation and a better quality wireless Internet experience.”

Source – eWeek Europe