Picocell improves in-building 3G reception

The nano3G picocell is analogous to a Wi-Fi access point, but for 3G phone signals.

It provides a high-quality 3G signal indoors that improves service quality on any 3G-compatible handset, according to ip.access.

Chief executive Stephen Mallinson said that delivering high-quality indoor 3G coverage is a difficult challenge for operators because windows and walls of office buildings absorb much of the radio energy, which can lead to poor reception.

The nano3G picocell solves this problem by acting as an on-site base station.

It can be installed quickly using Power over Ethernet (PoE) and an existing internet connection to backhaul the mobile network traffic.

It supports up to eight simultaneous users over a range of up to 200 metres.

While ip.access said it is working with at least one mobile operator on trials and initial deployments this year, it declined to identify any specific companies.

Carriers may choose to sell the nano3G picocell to enterprise customers, or bundle it with a contract, the company said.