@ CTIA: AT&T Mobility/T-Mobile USA deal highlights need for greater network efficiencies

ORLANDO, Fla. – One of the themes at this year’s CTIA event in Orlando, Fla., was the need for carriers to have access to additional spectrum assets in order to be able to support increased mobile data demand from consumers. This was highlighted by AT&T Mobility’s recently announced $39 billion acquisition plans for T-Mobile USA Inc., which just about everyone acknowledged was a move to bolster spectrum positions.
However, not every carrier has tens of billions of dollars to throw around at new spectrum, and are thus forced to find greater efficiencies in their networks in order to support consumer demand with limited assets. This was a topic of discussion during a live panel at the RCR Wireless Newdesk on the show floor that included Powerwave Technologies Inc. CTO Khurram Sheikh and Signals Research Group L.L.C. CEO and Founder Michael Thelander.
Both noted that while spectrum has in the past been the common weapon against network congestion issues, the recent deluge of data usage and demand from consumers has forced many operators up against the wall in using that defense. This has forced the use of more efficient network technologies built into either the base stations, the standards of the technologies, the antenna technology or in the deployment of smaller cell sites that can handle a greater network load.
While all of this may seem to be more complicated, Sheikh noted that carriers can use these new technologies to actually simplify their networks.
“The opportunity we see is the simplification of the network,” Sheikh said.
Thelander added that as carriers begin to deploy these more efficient technologies, they will see an increase in coverage to go along with the more efficient use of limited spectrum assets.
A prime example of this increased efficiency leading to greater coverage is Sprint Nextel Corp.’s plans through its Network Vision initiative to replace just about all of its current network equipment in a move it has said will increase spectral efficiencies as well as increase coverage due to more modern architecture.
Sheikh also noted that the move to smaller network cells through the use of microcells, picocells or distributed antenna systems will help carriers meet the growing data demand. A number of operators already rely heavily on such systems to handle voice traffic in dense areas, with the use for data services also starting to become more common.