DoCoMo develops world’s first dual-mode small-cell base station for 3G and LTE

NTT DoCoMo announced today that it has developed the world’s first dual-mode small-cell base station, or femtocell, supporting 3G (W-CDMA) and LTE simultaneously for improved service coverage in indoor locations such as offices, shops and homes. DOCOMO’s new femtocell, which weighs only 0.7 kg and measures just 18.5cm by 17.5 cm by 4.5 cm (H x W x T), provides 3G/LTE service coverage in a range of up to several tens of meters, depending on actual conditions. Its plug-and-play function automatically configures itself to the surrounding radio environment, enabling users to quickly enjoy wider, higher-quality and more cost-effective coverage simply by connecting the femtocell to a broadband fixed line.

With the new dual-mode 3G/LTE femtocell, DOCOMO looks forward to providing enhanced indoor environments for voice and data mobile communication via its FOMA™ 3G and Xi (read Crossy ) LTE services. The dual-mode femtocell will be commercially launched from December.