BelAir Networks announced this week the BelAir100SP Strand Picocell, a compact wireless base station that leverages cable plant to deliver both licensed and unlicensed services.
The modular design supports a range of licensed 3G radios, with a migration to LTE, along with dual 802.11n Wi-Fi radios. The BelAir100SP was running live at the CableLabs Summer Conference Innovation Showcase, August 15-18 in Keystone, CO where it was voted “Best New Idea Likely to Succeed“.
In addition to the 3G and dual 802.11n radios and associated antennas and duplexers, the BelAir100SP includes a DOCSIS 3.0 Modem, with plant power supply, and power protection/splitter. The BelAir100SP combines BelAir Networks strand-mounted hardware with their BelAirOS operating system for security, and network-wide mobility.
According to Visant Strategies report, “US Mobile Wireless Backhaul 2011”, cable operator share of the mobile wireless backhaul market will grow by more than five-fold by 2016, topping $3 Billion in annual service revenues by 2015. Outside of the US, Mobile Carriers and Cable Operators often share common ownership, thereby facilitating this cooperation, says BelAir.
In related news, the FCC is proposing new rules for utility pole attachments as part of its National Broadband Plan, designed to bring Internet access across America, especially in rural areas. Specifically, the agency is trying to address disparity in prices utility companies charge pole attachers; timelines during the attachment process; and ways to resolve disputes in a timely manner.
