Mobile base stations become palm-sized

Alcatel-Lucent has unveiled palm-sized LightRadio technology that seeks to render the towering base transmission stations operated by many mobile operators out-dated.

Alcatel-Lucent's palm-sized LightRadio (image: CNN Money)

The technology will result in benefits such as the reduction of costs associated with setting up and maintaining cell towers; it will simplify mobile networks; expand network capacity to rural areas and reduce energy consumption.

“This brand will free the mobile sector around the world from its dependence on antenna masts and mobile base stations (cell towers), which are generally the most energy-consuming components of the network, and also the most expensive and difficult to maintain.” said Tony Woods, CEO Alcatel Lucent.

Alcatel has tested the technology and it has been proven to reduce the energy consumption of mobile networks, boost performance and coverage.

“Alcatel’s own research shows LightRadio reduces energy consumption of mobile networks by up to 50 percent. Mobile service providers have already expressed interest in the LightRadio technology and we are ready to roll them out,” said Wood.

Michelle Tongo