The pilot successfully simulated a live network that could support data rates of 10 Mbps on the outbound channel, 1.2 Mbps on the inbound channel and up to 24 simultaneous voice calls. The positive results confirm that mobile operators can expand its 3G and even 4G connectivity services into underserved remote or new areas and markets using small cell technology.

    Featuring ip.access’s nano3G small cell device, which is a low-power wireless access point that provides hot-spot-like 3G coverage in a public area, private home or business, the pilot addressed two persistent challenges for mobile operators: how to extend voice and data services to remote areas, where traditional macro cell towers are either too costly or simply not possible to install; and how to affordably backhaul mobile traffic.

    The test also featured iDirect’s Evolution X1 Outdoor satellite remote, which works in tandem with small cell devices to backhaul data from remote locations to the core network. 

    The results of the pilot test open important business opportunities for mobile operators as Cisco predicts mobile data traffic will increase 18-fold worldwide by 2016, compared to 2011 rates. And the number of mobile connected devices will surpass 10 billion.