Vodafone has announced its first commercial femtocell,
in-the-home mobile basestation.
The head of UK-based femtocell chipset firm picoChip called it one
of "the most significant steps towards full commercial roll-out of
femtocells services".
It is picoChip silicon which is thought be inside the Vodafone
femtocell, which the operator is calling an Access Gateway.
Available online and in store from the 1July, the Vodafone Access
Gateway service is the first of its kind anywhere in Europe.
The femtocell will work with 3G handsets and act as a mini
basestation supporting up to four voice calls at a time. It also
provides more sophisicated call routing functions than are
available on current home hubs.
"The gateway will boost indoor mobile phone coverage for customers
who today, find they need to move around the rooms in their home to
get a consistent signal strength,' said Ian Shepherd, consumer
director, Vodafone UK.
The Gateway is available from free or as part of an inclusive price
plan from as little as £15 a month. It is also available as a one
off purchase for £160 or a monthly charge from as little as
£5.
The Vodafone Access Gateway can be ordered from July 1 at
vodafone.co.uk/gateway or in Vodafone stores