Qualcomm and Alcatel-Lucent today announced plans to collaborate on 3G/4G small cells for use in residential and campus environments.
The companies will use Qualcomm’s mobile broadband technologies and Alcatel-Lucent’s small cell technology to create base station equipment for use in shopping malls, businesses, and other urban areas where denser coverage is needed. Both firms will invest in a joint research and development program with the express purpose of creating next-generation small cells. The two companies believe that by working together they can offer wireless network operators a better solution for filling in the gaps in their wireless coverage.
Both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have said they plan to use small cells to supplement their larger macro network coverage.
