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The new tech will initially be rolled out in Albania, with additional countries to follow
Leveraging GPS satellites could be the key to ensuring mobile antennas remain effectively aligned, according to Vodafone’s latest solution announced this week.
The position of mobile antennas is crucial to providing high quality coverage, with deployments calculated to target specific coverage zones while minimising interference from neighbouring cell sites. At installation, antennas are typically manually positioned for optimal performance by engineers – no easy feat, given that much of this work takes place at heights of up to 50 metres and is often hindered by existing equipment on the masts.
After the antennas are installed, maintaining their optimal position becomes a challenge. Poor weather and seismic activity can further shift their position significantly, often resulting in suboptimal performance.
Vodafone’s latest solution attempts to address this issue using a number of sensors built into the antenna. These sensors collect precise location data from GPS satellites, providing Vodafone with a clearer picture of the antenna’s alignment. This data is then relayed to a network operation centre, which can automatically reposition the antenna or dispatch an engineer to correct issues.
“As smartphones pack in ever more functionality, network precision is key. Antenna alignment is now one of the most critical aspects when it comes to installing and maintaining high-performing mobile networks. By integrating sensors into new radio antennas, we can more easily fine-tune our radios to give customers the optimal signal quality,” explained Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s Chief Network Officer.
Alongside improvements for customers, the solution will also generate cost savings for the operator by reducing the number of site visits required by engineers.
The solution will be initially rolled out at sites in Albania, with further markets to be added at an unspecified date.
The use of satellites to bolster terrestrial connectivity is a topic that Vodafone has been increasingly exploring in recent years. The company notably has a partnership with AST SpaceMobile to use the latter’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide coverage to customers in areas the operator’s terrestrial network cannot reach. The satellites will be able to connect to unmodified smartphones, theoretically allowing all customers to remain connected wherever they are.
Vodafone and AST made the first video call over satellite earlier this year, with the intention of rolling out direct-to-device connectivity services in the next two years.
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