Nokia launches ultra compact 4G small cell network

NEW DELHI: Finland based telecom giant Nokia has unveiled a light and ultra-compact 4G network, based on a small cell, that will allow secure mobile broadband connectivity in minutes for mission- and business-critical services. The network can provide voice, video and data services in emergency situations, remote locations and events, and act as a hotspot for public safety organizations, industries and operators.

Having pioneered the development of low-footprint networking technology with its Network in a Box last year, Nokia has taken the concept of creating rapidly deployable networks further with its Ultra Compact Network. Based on small cells technology, it provides secure indoor and outdoor 4G coverage wherever it is deployed with a range of 75 km for up to 400 users. In remote, underserved areas it can provide capacity and coverage, and can utilize cable, satellite or microwave technologies for backhaul to extend an operator's existing macro network.

The Ultra Compact Network will allow first response units to utilize voice and video as well as other data-based services in emergency situations when mobile networks have been compromised. Where there is no road access it can be carried in a backpack, or elevated via a drone or weather balloon, providing vital connectivity for search and rescue missions or to help control disasters such as forest fires or floods over wide areas.

When deployed at remote industrial sites, such as mines, petrochemical plants and oil rigs, the Ultra Compact Network can provide business-critical communications, while mobile operators can use the technology to rapidly bridge network coverage gaps or provide temporary additional coverage and capacity in high-traffic locations and events such as outdoor music festivals.

Nokia will showcase the Ultra Compact Network at Critical Communications World in Hall 8, Rai, Amsterdam from May 31 to June 2.

Mansoor Hanif, Director of RAN at EE, said: "EE had the opportunity to trial Nokia's latest innovation, the Ultra Compact Network, in indoor and outdoor environments in May 2016. We were very impressed with the capabilities of this lightweight, easily deployable small cell system. It is an ideal solution for disaster recovery and to deliver temporary coverage both for public and private sector customers."

Thorsten Robrecht, head of Advanced Mobile Networks Solutions at Nokia, said: "The Ultra Compact Network is an exciting addition to Nokia's end-to-end portfolio of technologies for mission- and business-critical communications. The need for rapidly deployable 4G solutions is closely linked to the explosion of video and data usage in public safety scenarios."