UK : Operators looking to improve the 3G user experience in business premises have an apparent choice between using 3G picocells or alternatively adapting consumer-style femtocells to serve the enterprise. Which option is better?

UK-based pioneer in cellular-over-IP, ip.access, has released a new white paper for mobile network operators analysing the issues surrounding enterprise 3G, including user experience, cost and operational management. The “3G in the enterprise” whitepaper concludes that femtocells will serve the small office / home office market well, but that next-generation 3G picocells (sometimes called “super-femtocells”) are the best option for larger business premises.

The new whitepaper draws on ip.access’ extensive experience in deploying capacity and coverage solutions for leading mobile operators, and explores the SME market sweetspot for in-building 3G solutions. Key topic areas covered include: enterprise 3G options, next generation 3G picocells and a detailed comparison of picocells versus femtocell grid solutions.

Dr Andy Tiller, VP Marketing for ip.access and author of the whitepaper, explains the factors involved in optimal 3G deployment in the enterprise: “From cost scaling and interference issues to peak usage and configuration management, it is clear that, although femtocells are appropriate for the SOHO market, SMEs and branch offices of larger organisations are better served through 3G picocells. For both the user and the mobile operator, the next-generation 3G picocell approach provides the most reliable and cost-effective solution to 3G coverage and capacity issues.”

The whitepaper is now available for download from the ip.access website:
http://www.ipaccess.com/picocells/3G_in_the_enterprise.php .