Small Cells are Small, and Getting Smaller, Lighter

Both mobile operator and cable TV firms looking to reduce costs of supplying internet access bandwidth will rely on small cells that supply additional bandwidth in areas of high demand, using a variety of spectrum assets, both licensed and unlicensed.

For some mobile virtual network operators--especially cable TV affiliated operations--small cells running on owned fixed networks also will lower operating costs by supplying access directly, on owned facilities, not using leased mobile spectrum.

Some, including Charter Communications, expect to use unlicensed spectrum available under the Citizens Broadband Radio Service, and might consider licensed CBRS as well. The advantage of unlicensed CBRS is, of course, no need to buy spectrum licenses.

Another obvious issue is the cost of creating small cells, in terms of radio infrastructure, real estate and power. Mobile operators often use light poles. Cable operators will likely prefer strand-mounted units, especially because they already have rights to attach network elements to their cables, and will not incur additional real estate costs.

Those cells are small, and getting smaller. Cable operators, for example, are looking to use strand-mounted small cells that literally hang on aerial coaxial cable, and do not need poles for mounting surfaces.