Summary
This is good news. For femtocell advocates it will be a time to see how the operational data tracks with the theories.
Analysis
AT&T is moving forward to launch femtocell technology in its 3G network. Hopefully this will help AT&T as it relates to its iPhone troubles. However, I do not think femtocells alone will be the answer. Other than tweaking the network, installing femtocells will drive some of the network intelligence out to the fringes of the network, which should offload work from the mobile switching center and the macro base station.
I still think AT&T needs to employ the use of DAS’s (distributed antenna systems). DAS’s are not replacements for a strategy or solid network engineering. However, femtocell technology plus DAS technology will equal a high capacity, highly functional intelligent wireless network.
I would be interested in seeing how AT&T uses femtocell technology. My best guess is that AT&T is undertaking this effort in order to further monetize its 3G network and to deal with the iPhone 3GS issues. See my past postings:
"AT&T’s Mobile Broadband - House of Cards Go Boom???? What Should They Do? The DAS"
I don’t want to seem critical of AT&T’s actions. The company is taking appropriate action.
In regard to Vodafone’s femtocell deployment. I would be interested in seeing how the two carriers differ in their deployment strategies. Investors need to understand that technology can often be deployed in a multitude of ways; some ways will result in optimally using the equipment and some ways will not.
In regard to marketing strategies, the technology deployment should be governed by the marketing strategies. It all goes hand in hand.
