The recent rumour that BT, a fixed network operator in the UK and also an MVNO, is to offer femtocells may or may not prove correct. While we don’t tend to work on rumours alone, it does open up a potential new business model that is worth exploring. Here are a few thoughts on the topic.
Hats off to Hay Systems Limited, the Scottish independent SMS service and equipment vendor. Having gone against the mainstream trend of 3G femtocells, they've developed their own 2G GSM one and are intent on creating end user demand for it. Prospective customers who want to solve their indoor coverage problems can register their interest at a special website setup for the purpose. Where enough registrations are submitted, HSL can then use this to justify sales of their solution to the specific network operators.
FON is a service which allows WiFi users to access many hotspots owned and operated by domestic customers. In return for opening up their own WiFi hotspots, users can benefit from secure, easy access when out and about to over 250,000 hotspots. Could this business model be of interest to femtocell customers too?
A Scottish firm has been pushing the envelope on who and how femtocells may be sold and operated. Hay Systems, who have designed and launched their own 2G GSM femtocell, have announced two new routes to market. Here, we look again at the option for outsourcing the femtocell operation as a managed service.
Before we buy an innovative new product, we usually want to
confirm it is useful, valuable and not just a waste of time and money. Often we
do this by asking our friends, or reading reviews. Being able to reference an
existing happy customer is an essential element in the adoption of new
products. How will this apply to femtocells, which are typically hidden away
inside a cupboard at home?
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