Global communications network solutions and services provider Nokia Siemens Networks and international mobile telecommunications group Vodafone have successfully tested a new antenna 
technology designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve the cost efficiency of mobile phone networks for operators.

The test was carried out at the recently opened Nokia Siemens Networks Innovation Centre. The 
project marks the first time that an integrated active antenna solu-
tion has been used on a commer-
cial mobile wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) telecommunications network. 


The solution incorporates 
various elements from the base station within the antenna, which results in a reduced footprint of base stations and lowered power consumption.

Active antennas can support multiple standards, such as the global system for mobile communications (GSM), WCDMA and long-term evolution (LTE), and have been developed in accordance with the industry’s single radio access network specification, which Vodafone also helped 
develop.

“Active antennas is the next logical step in base-station site evolution, where the trend is to move radio frequency parts closer to the antenna,” says Nokia Siemens Networks wireless access product management head Tommi Uitto.

Active antenna technology can support operators by enhancing network performance and increasing deployment flexibility, as well as creating opportunities to lower operational expenditure through reducing site rental, maintenance and energy costs.

The active antenna solution is targeted at operators rolling out new 3G or LTE networks or 
enhancing their existing 3G networks, as well as those markets planning to refarm current GSM band to make space for WCDMA and LTE.

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