NTT DOCOMO has developed a dual-mode small-cell base station, or femtocell, supporting 3G (W-CDMA) and LTE simultaneously. The dual-mode femtocell will be commercially launched from December and offers for improved service coverage in indoor locations such as offices, shops and homes.

According to company its new femtocell, which weighs only 0.7 kg and measures just 18.5cm by 17.5 cm by 4.5 cm (H x W x T), provides 3G/LTE service coverage in a range of up to several tens of meters, depending on actual conditions. Its plug-and-play function automatically configures itself to the surrounding radio environment, enabling users to quickly enjoy wider, higher-quality and more cost-effective coverage simply by connecting the femtocell to a broadband fixed line.

DOCOMO has been marketing 3G femtocells for improved indoor coverage since 2007. With the new dual-mode 3G/LTE femtocell, DOCOMO looks forward to providing enhanced indoor environments for voice and data mobile communication via its FOMA™ 3G and Xi™ LTE services.