Verizon LTE small cell said to cover up to 31,500 square feet, 42 concurrent users
Verizon Wireless’ continued push into small cell technology now includes a deal with Samsung Electronics to offer a LTE “network extender” for enterprise customers.
The device is designed to support mid-sized enterprise locations of between 10,000 and 100,000 square feet, with a single unit providing LTE access for approximately 42 concurrent users and about 31,500 square feet. The device is said to target hotels, hospitals, public safety offices, government agencies, and remote and expansive operations facilities.
Pricing on the device was not released.
Verizon Wireless has been very vocal as of late in touting the use of small cells in order to boost capacity and coverage. The carrier is expected to deploy up to 60,000 small cells, and is seen as one of the industry leaders in tapping into the technology. Verizon Wireless said it spent around $500 million on small cell deployments in 2015, and during its recent fourth-quarter conference call stated it would still push macro cell deployments, but reiterated its focus on small cells for 2016.
“Our focus is really around small cells, densified antenna systems in-building, but keep in mind that each of those small cells in-building and antenna systems all give fiber back to a main macro cell, so the macro cells still have an important role in how you deliver traffic into those small cells,” said Verizon CFO Fran Shammo.
Verizon Wireless in 2009 rolled out a consumer-focused femtocell from Samsung designed to boost its CDMA-based 3G coverage. Verizon Wireless continues to offer the device for $250 and claims it provides coverage for up to 5,000 square feet.
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