Femtocells

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

I live in a fairly rural part of the UK and although the area is supposed to have O2 coverage, it is in fact pretty dire here. I am tied onto o2 for another 13 months with my iPhone and unless something is done by o2 to sort the signal out I will be voting with my feet next June.
Last year o2 & vodafone trialled 'Femtocell' technology. This is an internet based plug in tx/rx device which is stand alone and provides internet based mobile phone coverage inside buildings where there is insufficient signal from normal sources. Vodafone have embraced it and people are now getting the full benefit of full 3G phone signal in their homes/offices.
Where is the o2 version?
I know I'm a little bitter having been a Vodafone customer for many years, leaving just before they announced that they were getting iPhone, but surely o2 are embracing this technology as the o2 signal outside major towns everywhere appears to be generally poorer than my previous provider.
Does anyone have any thought on this and does anyone know if there are any plans for Femtocell technology to appear on the o2 books in the near future?

[ewanrw]

One of the reasons the SH-900 is expensive is that it is legal, and meets all legislation.
Another is the Cel-Fi RS2 3G booster - Pricey, but legal.
I believe Cel-Fi also have a booster for 1800MHz priced around £500.
There are however many that are not legal, starting from around £50.

ewan

[adamtemp64]

Cellular enhancers / boosters / repeaters
In the UK the use of any radio transmitting device is required to be either licensed or specifically exempted from licensing under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (WT Act 2006). For mobile telephones, the use of the spectrum by the network operators is licensed to cover the use of transmitters and repeaters, while user devices (i.e. handsets) are covered by a general exemption.

Repeater devices transmit or re-transmit in the cellular frequency bands. Only the mobile network operators are licensed to use equipment that transmits in these bands. Installation or use of repeater devices by anyone without a licence is a criminal offence under Section 8 of the WT Act 2006. Any person found guilty of installing or using such devices without a licence would be liable on conviction to a fine of up to £5000 and/or up to 51 weeks’ imprisonment (Six months in Scotland and Northern Ireland)

Anyone wishing to improve coverage in a particular area is advised to contact their network provider.

So unless installed by o2 voda 3 everything etc they cannot be legal.

[ewanrw]

It was amended in 2010 to allow for "low power repeaters", and certain types of femtocell technology.
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/900-1800mhz-wireless-telegraphy/summary/main...
However, if the unit doesnt fit the new criteria, then you of course correct regards WT Act 2006.
ewan

[adamtemp64]

so all your customers have written authorisation and o2 can turn them off at will?

(g) A “smart/intelligent low power repeater” is a repeater of the Network which operates with power not exceeding 24dBm e.i.r.p. per carrier, which may be established by customers of the Network who have written agreements with the Licensee and:
• The Licensee has ultimate control of the repeater, i.e. each individual repeater can be disabled remotely by the Licensee;

[ewanrw]

I'll be honest and say I have no idea.
Our suppliers (biggest in Europe) assure me they are legal, and I trust them.
And so far, there have been no complaints.
Also, the ones I have mentioned have been in some of the industry press recently as being legal solutions to poor signals in offices and homes.
ewan

[adamtemp64]

ewan on one uk site I checked today says needs licence

[ewanrw]

I agree with you regarding most boosters/repeaters, but there are certain ones that are legal as per the following legislation...
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/mobile-wireless-broadband/cellular-wireles...
Regarding Femtocells, a Cambridge based company http://www.ipaccess.com is about to launch a consumer spec model that works with all networks and can handle 8 calls at a time.
ewan

[Anonymous]

I agree with you regarding most boosters/repeaters, but there are certain ones that are legal as per the following legislation...
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/mobile-wireless-broadband/cellular-wireles...
Regarding Femtocells, a Cambridge based company http://www.ipaccess.com is about to launch a consumer spec model that works with all networks and can handle 8 calls at a time.
ewan

Hi Ewan
Can you provide me with details of the other alternative providers please. I have emailed IP accress already which you kindly provided already. Are you aware of the negatives these femtocells have ?
If only O2 would provide me with a boost box or put me on a trial !! I just don't understand why they haven't marketed them already.
Many thanks, I am so desperate to improve my signal which is never going to get any better as I live in a highly controlled part of North London which prevents the installation of mobile sites.
Regards
Steve

[adamtemp64]

ewan your latest link confirms only MNO's can install these so all are illegal unless o2 voda etc install them.

[ewanrw]

ewan your latest link confirms only MNO's can install these so all are illegal unless o2 voda etc install them.

Maybe we're interpreting it differently, but it seems that as long as the device is approved, it's legal.
How about we just agree to disagree?
ewan