M1 to shell out up to $20m in 3G radio coverage upgrade

It'll improve capacity in indoor premises.

In a release, M1 Limited (M1) announced the appointment of Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a Small Cell (Femtocell) solution to further enhance its 3G radio coverage and capacity in indoor premises. This network improvement work is valued at between S$5 million and S$20 million, depending on the extent of deployment.

A femtocell is a small, low-power mobile base station that will improve indoor voice coverage and data performance for users. By placing a dedicated femtocell indoor, it connects to M1’s mobile network via fixed broadband access and addresses any indoor coverage gap. The introduction of femtocells will further enhance customers’ indoor 3G experience.

“At M1, we are committed to continually invest in our network infrastructure to enhance our customers’ experience. With the Femtocell solution, our customers will benefit from improved indoor coverage, both at work or at play,” said Mr Patrick Scodeller, Chief Operating Officer, M1 Limited.

M1’s Femtocell solution will be made available in the third quarter of 2013.

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Established in 1997, M1 achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere.