US-based wireless and wireline communications service provider Sprint has signed an agreement with Alcatel-Lucent to deploy company’s lightRadio Metro Cells, enhancing coverage in high-traffic areas.
The lightRadio-based Metro Cell are mini base stations which can be deployed on lamp posts or street signs, inside shopping malls or stadiums to fill the gaps in coverage in densely populated urban locations.
Sprint will initially deploy lightRadio Metro Cells on indoor applications, including entertainment venues, transportation hubs and business campuses.
By deploying metro cells, Sprint expects to deliver enhanced broadband experience to its subscribers in the high-traffic areas and will help reduce costs in the process.
The US-based service provider is building a new network known as Network Vision, which will include the deployment of a new, improved 3G network and 4G LTE.
Small cell technology complements the Network Vision plan by providing a lower cost infrastructure to expand coverage and capacity in targeted high usage areas.
Alcatel-Lucent’s Americas Region president and head of Global Strategic Alliances Robert Vrij said enhancing mobile broadband coverage in busy public areas is a top priority for many service providers.
"By selecting our lightRadio Metro Cells, Sprint can offer its customers the quality of mobile broadband experience they expect, keeping them connected wherever they are,"Vrij said.
