NTT DOCOMO builds world’s first dual-mode femtocell for 3G, LTE

NTT DOCOMO has claimed to have developed the world’s first dual-mode small-cell base station, or femtocell.  The latest femtocell supports 3G (W-CDMA) and LTE concurrently for improved service coverage in indoor locations such as offices, shops and homes.

The company further claims that the femtocell provides 3G/LTE service coverage in a range of up to several tens of meters, depending on actual conditions. The device offers plug-and-play function that automatically configures itself to the surrounding radio environment. This function enables users quickly enjoy wider, higher-quality and more cost-effective coverage simply by connecting the femtocell to a broadband fixed line.DOCOMO said that it looks forward to provide enhanced indoor environments for voice and data mobile communication via its FOMA 3G and Xi LTE services. The dual-mode femtocell will commercially hit the market in December this year.