NEC Europe has established a strategic partnership with Motive, which provides service management solutions for broadband and mobile data services. The partnership will see Motives service management software integrated into NECs Femtocell Access Point Management System. The Femtocell Access Point Management system forms a key element of the NEC Femtocell Solution, delivering a plug-in-forget installation and provisioning of the Access Points by the end users. This is seen as a key driver for mass deployment of the Femtocell technology by operators worldwide. The NEC Access Point Management system is under trials with several operators around the world as part of the end to end trials of the NEC Femtocell Solution.
A femtocell is a compact, low-power, plug-and-play consumer device that provides localised 3G coverage and capacity, while using the subscribers broadband connection for connectivity to the mobile service providers network. Femtocells enable service providers to improve 3G coverage into homes, office buildings, and other facilities in a cost effective manner, relieving network congestion, improving quality of service, and ultimately increasing customer retention. NEC says that subscribers will benefit from an improved experience and access to new tariffs and services.
While operators are beginning to drive femtocell commercialisation forward, industry collaboration continues to be essential, says Anil Kohli, Director, Femtocell programme at NEC Europe. NEC is committed to enhancing its leadership in this area with the skills and knowledge of trusted, well-positioned partners. Motives service management software and expertise provides the ideal complement to NECs Femtocell Solution. NEC is playing an instrumental role in driving femtocell innovation, development and standardisation, and has a number of major operator trials underway globally.
As members of the Femto Forum, the independent industry association that supports femtocell deployment worldwide, NEC and Motive are both actively involved in the development of femtocell standardisation.