AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - December 10, 2014) - As part of the "small cell" category, metrocells are one of several options that many global wireless operators are considering in order to meet the rising demand for mobile data. This approach, which combines RAN upgrades, new licensed spectrum, WiFi, small cells of various types and distributed antenna systems (DAS), is typically referred to as the heterogeneous network or het-net.
The het-net concept exists because LTE probably will not be enough -- at least not in the macrocell -- to meet wireless subscribers' demand for mobile data. This is particularly true in urban areas where population density and numerous, large buildings conspire against the easy propagation of radio frequencies. Metrocells are, essentially, a small base transceiver station (BTS), antennas and baseband in a self-contained case that are usually deployed on lampposts or sides of buildings or anywhere else that has power and backhaul.
"Often, mobile data demand is not spread uniformly across a macrocell's coverage area, but instead occurs in several smaller areas where a lot of people tend to be located, such as commuting hubs or shopping areas," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "In order to address these pain points, metrocells will be deployed globally over the next five years with increasing frequency, and the number of actual deployments is expected to grow at a CAGR of 179 percent."
iGR's new market study, Global LTE Metrocells Forecast, 2013-2018: Early stages of market growth, defines metrocells and their role in the het-net. The study also gives a five-year forecast for the total addressable market for LTE metrocells, and the actual number of LTE metrocells to be deployed worldwide.
The following key questions are addressed in iGR's market study:
- What is a metrocell?
- How do metrocells fit into operators' evolving networks?
- Where are metrocells most likely to be located? What's their role?
- How much mobile data do end users in all global regions consume and/or demand?
- How much mobile data capacity will be required in the next five years?
- How many metrocells are forecasted to be deployed?
- Which regions of the world will see the greatest demand for metrocells?
- How does the forecast for metrocell deployments compare to the metrocell total addressable market?
In addition, a number of small cell vendors are profiled in the report, including:
- Airspan Networks
- Airvana
- Alcatel-Lucent
- Argela
- Cisco
- Ericsson
- Huawei
- Ip.access
- Juni
- NEC
- Nokia Networks
- Oracle
- Public Wireless
- PureWave Networks
- Quortus
- Ruckus Wireless
- Samsung Electronics
- SpiderCloud Wireless
- Taqua
- ZTE Corporation
The information in this market study will be valuable for:
- Mobile operators
- Infrastructure OEMs
- Small cell product and solution vendors
- Backhaul service providers and equipment OEMs
- Financial analysts and investors.
The market study can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or at Iain@iGR-inc.com for additional details.
About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now in its fourteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.
iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.
A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact iGR
Iain Gillott
(512) 263-5682