Fibertech Networks says it has activated what it believes to be the first outdoor metro small-cell site in the U.S. for a wireless carrier carrying commercial traffic, with a complete turnkey fiber-based mobile backhaul installation.
"There has been a tremendous amount of press and speculation in the wireless segment about small cell, and the potential explosion of wireless carrier’s deployment of this technology, but until now it has been limited to planning discussions and internal testing,” explains Michael Hurley, vice president of sales and marketing at Fibertech. “This recently completed installation is our customer’s first small cell to carry live commercial traffic and demonstrates our ability to provide a complete end-to-end solution for this growing technology.”
While metro small cells look somewhat similar to outdoor distributed antenna systems, they are distinct because they have their own unique deployment requirements, Fibertech asserts. The company expects small-cell installations will become part of the way that wireless carriers increase broadband network reach and capacity. The market for small cells is expected to take off as carriers build out their 4G/LTE networks (see “Small cells drive mobile backhaul market says Dell'Oro”).
Since its inception, Fibertech has a significant position in the wireless sector, holding contracts with all of the major cellular carriers. The company has built out fiber to thousands of cell towers across its entire 11-state footprint.
The company has networks operational in Pittsburgh; Indianapolis; Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, OH ; Providence, RI; Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury, New London, and New Haven, CT; Springfield and Worcester, MA; Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Binghamton, White Plains, and Albany, NY; Dover and Wilmington, DE; Montgomery County, MD; Trenton, Newark, and Atlantic City, NJ; and Philadelphia. Fibertech also recently announced network expansion plans for Detroit.
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