o2 wants to increase its own mobile network with small radio cells. Initially, the existing 4G and 5G frequencies are to be supported by additional locations. In the long term, the promising 5G network in particular should benefit from this step.

More bandwidth at o2: small cells are to upgrade the mobile network

o2 wants to improve the existing mobile network. The provider from Munich is now using one as a test tighter structure. In the Bavarian state capital, some so-called “small cells” have started, as the company informs. With their help, the mobile phone network is to be improved in high-traffic areas.

About the Small Cells should constant speeds of at least 100 MBit/s can be reached – whether in the 4G or 5G network (source: Telefonica/o2). So far, o2 has relied on flexible additional cells that transmit on the frequencies of both networks. In this way, they support the networks above all in areas with intensive use, especially in large cities. In the long term, the plan is to improve 5G standalones with small cells.

Even with the small radio cells, o2 relies more on openness to technology, as in the entire network: the hardware – according to o2 hardly larger than a shoe box – supports it Open RAN standard. The process is heavily software-based, so you can be more flexible when choosing a manufacturer. Otherwise, providers usually have to rely on hardware from the same manufacturer – such as Huawei or Ericsson – so that the components and antennas work together as smoothly as possible.

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o2 is testing in Munich at popular places and stops

The small cells will initially be used for testing in Munich. Here they should ensure better bandwidth, especially when the network load is high, for example Places with a lot of public traffic. o2 is the name of Munich’s Gärtnerplatz district, where small-cell antennas are currently installed on house facades. Installation at bus and train stops is also planned. The small cells are also integrated into the local fiber optic network for fast data transmission.