To try to minimize these issues, the Government decided to hasten discussions about using miniantenas-or femtocélulas, as they are called. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) yesterday approved the opening of public consultation on the regulation for the equipment.
Very similar to a wi-fi router, they act as an extension of conventional cellular antennae, but connect to fixed broadband service. Unlike routers, that can be purchased by the user, these antennas will belong to the carriers.
The intention is to adopt the regulation in the first weeks of January, so that operators can start installing these devices already in February. The Rapporteur of the proposal at the Fcc, Jarbas Valente, believes the competition between operators will cause they do not cover neither the service nor the equipment–with estimated cost of $ 200.
The Communications Minister, Paulo Bernardo, claims that femtocélulas will decrease demand and wreak larger antennas. “In today’s economic climate, with congested networks and many users, will be very good,” he said.
Fourth generation. The importance of femtocélula will be fundamental for the 4 g technology, says the President of the National Union of telephone companies and Cellular Mobile and personal service (Sinditelebrasil), Eduardo Levy. As the frequency of 4 g in the country will be higher (2.5 giga-hertz), to propagate, the waves hit smaller distances and face more difficulties to overcome physical barriers. So, more antennas and femtocélulas will be essential to maintain the service coverage.
“I have no doubt that there will be improvement of coverage in enclosed areas,” said Levy. “In the future, we may have already built buildings with femtocélulas. Will be part of the routine of all. ”
In homes, customers will be able to put a password to register devices in order to prevent the signal from the unit is “stolen” by neighbors. In public places, the signal will be opened. One of the Government’s concerns is the FIFA Confederations Cup, which should increase the demand for service in the host cities.
The Brave report is part of the femtocélula as a restricted radiation equipment. Thus, they do not have to be licensed and will not pay, as the large antennas, installation supervision fee (TFI) and supervisory fee (TFF). “The goal is to cut bureaucracy,” said the Advisor. “The tendency is to vastly improve the quality of service in remote locations and closed.” All major manufacturers already have the device.
In the Cabinet of Bernard, a femtocélula of Hi is now under test. But the carrier still have not defined how to offer customer service. The experiences abroad, the customer can pay by the appliance, the operator can provide you and fidelity charge or offer it at no cost as part of the extension of service.
Image courtesy of jessicafm