Huawei launches 2G base station for rural areas

SHENZHEN, CHINA: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (“Huawei”), a provider in Telecommunication services , has today launched a 2G base station (BTS) designed for use in rural communities in developing markets.

The “EasyGSM BTS” is All IP-based compact BTS, and is specifically designed for rural areas, said a press release.

The BTS represents another product designed and developed in close collaboration with Vodafone in the two firms’ joint Radio Mobile Innovation Centre based in Madrid, Spain.

Huawei’s BTS also utilizes green site solutions, and has recently been tested with Vodacom in South Africa using only solar power.

Underlining Huawei’s focus on delivering innovative solutions that meet its customers’ needs, Huawei’s new BTS is an GSM base station enabling operators to extend wireless coverage to rural communities in an economically viable way compared to traditional GSM products, the release added. Using the latest technologies, Huawei created an EasyGSM solution at a fraction of current Total Cost of Ownership, targeting rural communities.

With a volume of just 12 litres and weighing 12 kgs, it provides IP transmission and local switching, saving on the transmission Bandwidth. Coverage or capabilities are not compromised, delivering the same level of service as a conventional macro BTS, also for more than two GSM transceivers, said the release.

“Vodafone is pleased to have played a role in developing this innovative new network solution that aims to extend wireless coverage in rural communities across emerging markets,” said Andy MacLeod Network director of Vodafone Group.

“As well as offering environmental benefits, the solution could also offer social benefits by bringing connectivity to isolated communities.”

This base station is specifically designed for low power consumption, consuming far less power than traditional BTS. This increases the viability of micro-renewable solar and wind energy generation on site, removing the need to diesel generators, added the release. Key benefits include high integration, easy installation, and low environmental impact.

The BTS can also be mounted on a pole, wall, or tower, making installation quick and easy. He Gang, President of Huawei’s GSM and UMTS Product Line said that through its strategic partnership with Vodafone, Huawei has a proven track record in combining technological expertise with customer-driven service capabilities.

They have played a role in strengthening Vodafone’s leading market position while at the same time, further building on their product portfolio – the broadest in the industry.