Vodafone Netherlands has built a new unified communications solution for its enterprise customers using small cells from NEC.
SignaalPlus Enterprise Connect, developed for Vodafone by the Japan-based vendor, will combine small cells with Mobile Edge Computing applications to improve indoor coverage and provide encrypted communications.
Mobile devices can use the solution to connect with local enterprise information systems and equipment to allow integrated communication, messaging, alarm handling and automation, according to a statement.
NEC said SignaalPlus Enterprise Connect was “highly resilient”, allowing critical communications and business processes to continue during emergencies, network outages and natural disasters.
The industrial IoT is one use case it has been designed for.
NEC’s small cell solutions have been deployed elsewhere on Vodafone’s network. In February, Vodafone Turkey selected NEC to deploy small cells to key venues and business premises to boost its indoor LTE performance in the country.
Yogarajah Gopikrishna, Head of Engineering and Strategy, NEC Europe, said: “We look forward to leveraging our vast channel partner network and years of vertical specific expertise to enable our customers to reach and deliver this solution to enterprises and industries.”
According to ABI Research, the global indoor small cell market will achieve revenues of $1.8 billion in 2021.