The mini base stations, which are part of the modular Ericsson Radio System for MNOs, can also support the latest mobile technology such as 4G+, which is also referred to as carrier aggregation. Under its 4G+ rollout, Vodafone is combining up to three mobile spectrum bands to provide customers in high-density areas with faster data speeds and improved voice quality both outdoors and indoors.
Vodafone and Ericsson have installed the first mini base station in Southwark, London, and will be rolling out the new system across the capital and in other urban areas. The two organisations are also working on faster versions of carrier aggregation, which allows Vodafone to combine its range of spectrum bands to provide higher average speeds to more simultaneous users and meet future capacity demands.
Following recent trials of three-way carrier aggregation on sites in London, which combine Vodafone's 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, download speeds of up to 240 Mbps have been achieved. The trial sites are now ready to deliver download speeds of up to 700 Mbps to meet future mobile data growth.
"We continue to look at new and innovative ways of providing improved mobile coverage in order to meet our customers' soaring demand for mobile data and video while minimising disruption to the general public and improving the aesthetics of the surrounding area," said Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UK's CTO (pictured above right).
"We are delighted to be partnering with Ericsson, one of our key network suppliers, on this project and look forward to further engaging with local councils and Government to look at ways of reducing red tape around site planning for mobile mast installations."
