Sales of some small cell units projected to double, triple this year
As carriers move to densify metro networks as well as provide low-cost solutions for rural connectivity, analysts are expecting 2015 to be a big year for small cells.
Research firm Mobile Experts on March 30 released its annual Small Cells 2015 market study, which projects small cell shipments to surge this year. Specifically, market analysts from the company expect some categories of small cell units to double and, in some cases, triple over the course of the year.
Joe Madden, principal analyst for Mobile Experts, explained how the projections are formulated.
“We developed a model during 2012 and 2013 that predicts the use of small cells based on mobile data density, using a metric for Gbps per square kilometer, per Megahertz, better known as GkM.”
Madden continued: “Our model has proven to be quite accurate in predicting where and when mobile operators will need DAS, Wi-Fi and small cell solutions to supplement macro capacity. Our 2012 and 2013 predictions are now coming through.”
The new market report provides insights on spectrum bands, air interfaces, power level and baseband processing options, among other details.
In terms of market segments, the analysts dig into small cell use cases covering residential, enterprise, carrier and rural deployments.
“In addition,” Madden said, “we have conducted a deep-dive investigation into split-baseband architectures for low-power RRH. The CPRI radio head will change toward a new architecture with lighter requirements for the ‘fronthaul’ connection to centralized baseband processing. We have detailed analysis of how this trend will impact the small cell market.”
Also included is analysis of emerging tech like License Assisted Access and Wi-Fi integration for small cells.
In a similar market report released last month, the Small Cell Forum reported that some 10.2 million small cell units have been shipped worldwide with some 75 mobile network operators deploying the technology. The report also tallied 17,000 small cell deployments in rural or otherwise remote areas.
“This significant milestone shows how small cells are fast becoming key components in networks with over 10 million units now in the market,” said Alan Law, Small Cell Forum chairman. “This is being backed up by what we saw recently at Mobile World Congress with an incredible variety of announcements from operators, vendors and partners all pointing to a maturing market for a really exciting technology.”
