While 70% of mobile operators around the world plan to have significant small cell deployments by 2018, the majority predict slow rollout, according to research revealed by Amdocs.
The research explores the challenges involved in deploying and managing small cell networks, and identifies an opportunity for cable and satellite providers (also known as multiple system operators, or MSOs) to create new revenue streams through partnering with mobile operators in the rollout of small cells and Wi-Fi networks.
The survey also reveals that MSOs have the necessary skills and experience for small cell deployment: challenges identified by operators in small cell rollouts include project management (65%), negotiation with partners (45%) and technical aspects (40%) – challenges that MSOs are well placed to overcome through their expertise in the installation and maintenance of dense networks in the field.
To succeed, 70% of operators are prepared to use small cell networks rolled out by or owned by a third-party, such as an MSO.
A majority or 85% of MSOs believe that technical aspects of small cell rollout are different from their normal deployments and as a result only 40% of MSOs have plans to support small cell deployments this year.
This is surprising given that 70% have either already launched or plan to launch public Wi-Fi, which has very similar requirements to small cells in terms of backhaul, power and installation.