What is a small cell?

Small cells are low-power wireless access points that operate in licensed spectrum, are operator-managed and feature edge-based intelligence. 

what is a small cell

Small cells provide improved cellular coverage, capacity and applications for homes and enterprises as well as metropolitan and rural public spaces. 

Types of small cells include femtocells, picocells, metrocells and microcells – broadly increasing in size from femtocells (the smallest) to microcells (the largest). Any or all of these small cells can be based on ‘femtocell technology’ - i.e. the collection of standards, software, open interfaces, chips and know-how that have powered the growth of femtocells.

Small cells also facilitate a new breed of mobile service that exploits the technology’s ability to detect presence, and connect and interact with existing networks.